Overview
- The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed ten Indian nationals are in Iranian custody and said consular access has been requested with talks underway.
- Sixteen Indians serving on MT Valiant Roar remain under Iran’s control after the IRGC intercepted the tanker on December 8 near the UAE and alleged smuggling of about 6,000 metric tonnes of fuel.
- Ten crew were taken ashore on January 6 and sent to Bandar Abbas prison, while others remain confined on the seized vessel at Bandar-e-Jask with devices seized and supplies running low.
- Families have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for intervention, and the Delhi High Court has asked the Centre to file a status report.
- The ship’s captain and operator dispute the smuggling claim, saying the cargo was very low sulphur fuel oil, and relatives report the vessel was chased, fired upon, and boarded.