Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 5: India on Thursday confirmed that eight of the 16 Indian sailors detained in Iran have been released and will be able to return home once travel formalities are completed, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
Briefing the media, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Indian authorities are in constant touch with Iran to secure the release of the remaining eight crew members and to ensure continued support for them.
“Our consular officials in Bandar Abbas have met the crew. As informed by Iranian authorities, eight of the 16 sailors have been released and will return to India after completing the necessary travel procedures. Regarding the remaining eight, we remain engaged with Iranian authorities and will extend all possible support,” Jaiswal said.
The issue came to light on January 17, when the Indian Embassy in Tehran confirmed that the cargo vessel MT Valiant Roar, carrying 16 Indian nationals, had been detained by Iranian authorities in mid-December. The Indian Consulate in Bandar Abbas had immediately sought consular access to the crew.
In a statement shared earlier on X, the embassy said it had repeatedly pursued consular access through diplomatic communications and in-person meetings in both Bandar Abbas and Tehran, including at the ambassadorial level. Iranian authorities were also urged to allow the detained sailors to communicate with their families in India.
The Indian mission also reached out to the UAE-based company that owns the vessel and coordinated with its Iran-based agents to ensure essential supplies such as food, water, and fuel, as well as legal representation for the crew. When the ship reported dwindling provisions, the mission intervened with the Iranian navy to arrange emergency food and water supplies in early January.
According to the MEA, the case is expected to follow a judicial process in Iran. However, Indian diplomatic missions continue to press for early resolution, regular consular access, and the welfare of all Indian nationals still on board.
Officials said efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe and speedy return of the remaining sailors at the earliest possible opportunity.