Indian authorities have said they are closely monitoring the situation and remain engaged with Iranian officials to safeguard the welfare of the detained seafarers
Families across India are growing increasingly anxious over the safety of 16 Indian seafarers who have been held in Iran since early December, following the seizure of an oil tanker amid rising regional tensions.
The vessel, MT Valiant Roar, was taken into custody by Iranian authorities on 8 December while sailing in international waters. Iran has alleged that the tanker was carrying around 6,000 metric tonnes of diesel illegally. The ship is operated by Dubai-based Prime Tankers LLC, which has strongly denied the allegations.
In addition to the 16 Indian nationals, the crew includes one citizen each from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. According to information shared by India’s Ministry of External Affairs in court, 10 of the Indian crew members have been arrested and shifted to a prison in Bandar Abbas. The remaining six are still on board the vessel.
-
Indian officials have confirmed that consular access has now been provided to the 10 detained seafarers
-
Authorities are also in touch with Iranian officials to secure access to the six crew members who remain on the ship, pending formal clearances from Iranian agencies
Relatives of the detained sailors have approached the Delhi High Court, seeking urgent directions to ensure consular support and the safe return of their family members. They have alleged that the crew on board the ship is being kept in cramped conditions with limited food and access to safe drinking water. Communication with families has also been restricted, with most personal devices reportedly confiscated.
The case comes at a time of heightened political uncertainty in Iran, where protests erupted in late December over economic issues and later expanded into broader unrest. At the same time, increased military activity in the region has added to fears among families waiting for news.
