title:Iran Denies Consular Access to 16 Indian Crew on Detained Tanker
ISLAMABAD: The detention of 16 Indian crew members aboard the merchantvessel MT Valiant Roar by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps hasraised serious concerns over consular rights and bilateral relations. Theincident, which occurred on December 8, 2025, in international waters nearthe UAE’s Dibba Port, involves accusations of fuel smuggling against theUAE-owned tanker. Despite multiple diplomatic efforts by India, includingformal requests since mid-December, Iranian authorities have so farwithheld consular access, leaving families in distress and prompting legalaction in Indian courts.
The seizure unfolded dramatically when the IRGC intercepted the MT ValiantRoar while it was operating in international waters. Iranian officialsclaimed the vessel was smuggling approximately 6,000 metric tonnes of fuel,specifically diesel, leading to its diversion to Iranian territory. Thecrew comprised 18 members in total, with 16 hailing from India, one fromBangladesh, and one from Sri Lanka. Reports indicate the vessel, managed byDubai-based Glory International FZ LLC or Prime Tankers LLC, was carryingVery Low Sulphur Fuel Oil legally according to the owners and crewrepresentatives, highlighting a potential dispute over the nature of thecargo.
India’s response was swift following notification of the detention aroundmid-December 2025. The Consulate of India in Bandar Abbas promptlyaddressed a formal letter to the Iranian government on December 14, seekingimmediate consular access to the detained Indian nationals. This requesthas been reiterated numerous times through diplomatic notes, in-personmeetings in Bandar Abbas and Tehran, and even at the ambassadorial level.Additionally, Indian authorities have urged permission for the crew tocommunicate with their families, underscoring the humanitarian aspect ofthe case amid prolonged uncertainty.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has actively engaged with the UAE-basedship-owning company since December 15 to address welfare concerns. Effortsinclude pressing for provisions of food, water, and fuel to the detainedvessel. When stocks reportedly depleted, the mission coordinated with theIranian navy to deliver emergency supplies in early January. Legalrepresentation in Iranian courts has also been pursued through thecompany’s Iran-based agents, as the matter is now expected to proceedthrough Iran’s judicial system.
Families of the detained seafarers have expressed profound anxiety over thelack of direct contact and updates. In one prominent case, relatives ofThird Engineer Ketan Mehta appealed directly to Prime Minister NarendraModi for intervention, describing sleepless nights and fears for safety.Several families, including those from Uttar Pradesh, have approached theDelhi High Court with petitions demanding urgent government action tosecure consular access and repatriation. The court has sought a statusreport from the Centre, reflecting growing domestic pressure.
The prolonged denial of consular access, now exceeding a month, contravenesinternational norms under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, towhich both nations are signatories. It also raises questions about maritimesecurity in the Gulf region, where such incidents can escalate tensionsamid broader geopolitical dynamics. India’s continued diplomatic engagementaims to ensure an expeditious judicial process while prioritizing thecrew’s well-being and rights.
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This episode occurs against a backdrop of regional instability, includingongoing protests in Iran and maritime vulnerabilities in the Strait ofHormuz. While Iran maintains the seizure was justified to protect nationalinterests, the absence of formal detention orders or detailed groundsshared publicly has fueled criticism from affected parties. The caseunderscores the challenges faced by seafarers in contested waters and theimportance of transparent legal proceedings.
As diplomatic channels remain open, the Indian government continues topress for resolution. Observers note that swift consular access couldde-escalate concerns and reaffirm mutual respect in India-Iran relations,which have historically included cooperation in energy and connectivitysectors. Until access is granted, the fate of the 16 Indian crew membershangs in a delicate balance between judicial proceedings and humanitarianimperatives.
Source:https://indianexpress.com/article/world/indian-embassy-says-indian-crew-members-detained-in-iran-seeks-consular-access-10479680
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