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The release brings relief to the families waiting anxiously
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It shows strong diplomatic work paying off amid tricky times at sea
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The sailors’ return marks a positive step, with hopes for the rest soon
Iran has freed eight Indian sailors held since mid-December on a seized oil and chemical tanker. The remaining eight crew members are still detained, but Indian officials are working hard to help them too.
Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesperson for India’s External Affairs Ministry, shared the good news during a media briefing in New Delhi on Thursday. He said consular staff in Bandar Abbas, Iran, had met the 16 sailors. “Iranian authorities told us eight have been released. They will head home once travel paperwork is done,” Jaiswal explained.
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India first learned about the tanker—run by a company based in the UAE—around 14 December
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Iranian officials stopped the ship and held the Indian crew on board
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India’s team in Iran quickly stepped in
On 14 December, the consulate in Bandar Abbas asked for access to check on the sailors’ welfare.
Since then, Indian diplomats have pushed hard through letters, meetings in Bandar Abbas and Tehran, and talks at ambassador level. They made sure the crew could call their families back home. The mission also worked with Iran’s navy to supply food, water, and fuel to the ship. They teamed up with the UAE company and its local agents to get lawyers for the crew and keep supplies coming. India’s consulate in Dubai joined in, urging the company to do its part.
Jaiswal noted that India is staying in close touch with Tehran about the other eight sailors. “We will support them however we can,” he added.
