The Iranian-flagged FV AI-Kambar was intercepted by INS Sumedha on March 29, the Navy's statement said.

The Indian Navy on Friday rescued a hijacked Iranian fishing ship operated by a 23-strong Pakistani crew

The Navy ran the operation for 12 hours, employing "intense coercive tactical measures"

 to rescue the ship as well as the crew, it said in a statement.

Specialist teams of the Indian Navy were sanitising the Iranian ship

 They are also checking its seaworthiness

 The ship will be later escorted to its destination so that it can undertake its regular fishing activities.

The Iranian-flagged FV AI-Kambar was intercepted by INS Sumedha on March 29