Iran will soon allow Indian Government officials to meet with 17 Indian crew members who are onboard a Israel-linked ship seized near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday by Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
Amir-Abdollahian conveyed this to Jaishankar during a telephonic conversation on Sunday, according to an Iranian readout. In the talks, Jaishankar called for the release of the Indians onboard Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel MSC Aries.
“We are following up on the details of the seized ship and soon it will be possible for the representatives of the Indian Government to meet with the crew of the said ship,” the Iranian readout quoted Amir-Abdollahian as saying. He also reportedly called for India’s role to stop the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
The readout said Jaishankar expressed his concern about the situation of the 17 Indian crew members and requested assistance from Iran in this regard.
Special Naval Forces of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) seized ‘MSC Aries’ reportedly in view of its links with Israel. The MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) said on Saturday that it is working closely with relevant authorities for the well-being of 25 crew members and the return of the vessel.
Hours after the Iranian action, White House National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the ship’s crew consisted of Indian, Filipino, Pakistani, Russian and Estonian nationals. Official sources in India said it is in touch with Iran to secure the release of 17 Indians.
During the phone call, Amirabdollahian told Jaishankar about the need to reduce tensions and defended his country’s “legitimate defence”, while referring to Iran’s attack on Israel.
He called for India’s continued role through international institutions, including the UN Security Council, to stop the war in Gaza, as well as to end the Israeli offensive in the Palestinian enclave, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
He reiterated Iran’s demand for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and the establishment of peace and security in the region from the Mediterranean shores to the Red Sea, it said.
On his part, Jaishankar said the most important issue was to ensure a reduction in tensions. He also called on all parties to exercise restraint and measures to ensure a favourable end to tensions between Iran and Israel.
On Sunday, Jaishankar said he spoke to his counterparts from Iran and Israel and shared his concerns over the ongoing tensions between the two Middle East countries.
During a phone call with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Jaishankar said he raised the issue of 17 Indian crew members stranded on board the MSC Aries.
“Spoke to Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian this evening. Took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries. Discussed the current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy. Agreed to remain in touch,” he wrote on X.
In a similar tweet after holding talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Jaishankar said, “Just concluded a conversation with Israel FM @Israel_katz. Shared our concern at the developments yesterday. Discussed the larger regional situation. Agreed to stay in touch.”
On Sunday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to Jaishankar, seeking decisive action through diplomatic channels to ensure the safety of 17 Indian crew members on board the MSC Aries.
In the letter, the Chief Minister emphasised that three of the crew members on the ship, Sumesh, PV Dhanesh, and Syamnath, are from Kerala. He said the unexpected seizure of the ship had led to anxiety and concern among families and friends of the crew members.
