In a significant diplomatic development, Iran has released five Indian sailors who were onboard an Israeli-linked vessel seized by Tehran. The Indian embassy in Iran confirmed the sailors’ release and expressed gratitude to Iranian authorities for their close cooperation with the embassy and the Indian Consulate in Bandar Abbas.
The seizure of the Israel-linked cargo ship, MSC Aries, by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy on April 13 had caused international concern. The vessel, with 17 Indian nationals among its crew, was taken near the Strait of Hormuz. MSC Aries had been last tracked on April 12, sailing towards the Strait of Hormuz off Dubai’s coast.
Earlier, Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur, Kerala, one of the 17 Indian crew members, had returned to India safely on April 18. The Ministry of External Affairs had confirmed her safe return and assured that the remaining crew members were also safe and would be released once their contractual obligations were fulfilled.
Iran’s ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, clarified that the Indian crew members were not detained and were free to return home.
The diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the crew members included discussions between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Additionally, Iran addressed concerns regarding another seized vessel, a Portuguese ship, emphasizing the importance of adherence to maritime rules for maintaining safety at sea.
This development comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, including the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The release of the Indian sailors marks a positive step in diplomatic relations between Iran and India.
Sources By Agencies
