Eight Indian Sailors Released from Iran, Remaining Crew Awaiting Support
Release of Indian Sailors from Iranian Detention
New Delhi, Feb 5: Eight out of the sixteen Indian sailors detained in Iran have been freed and are set to return to India after completing necessary procedures, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday.
During a press conference in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal mentioned that the Indian government is actively coordinating with Iranian officials to facilitate the release of the remaining eight sailors, assuring them of full support.
"We have secured consular access. Our officials from the Consulate in Bandar Abbas have met with the sailors. According to information from Iranian authorities, eight of the sixteen sailors have been released and will return home once the required travel formalities are completed. We are in contact with Iranian authorities regarding the remaining sailors and will provide them with any necessary assistance," Jaiswal stated to the media.
On January 17, the Indian Embassy in Tehran reported that it was notified about the detention of the vessel MT Valiant Roar, which had 16 Indian crew members aboard, by Iranian authorities in mid-December. The Indian consulate in Bandar Abbas had made several requests for consular access to the crew.
In a statement posted on X, the Indian Embassy in Tehran noted, "In mid-December 2025, we were informed about the detention of the vessel MT Valiant Roar by Iranian authorities, which had 16 Indian crew members. The Consulate of India in Bandar Abbas promptly contacted the Iranian government on December 14 to request consular access to the crew."
"This request for consular access has been reiterated multiple times through diplomatic channels and in-person meetings in Bandar Abbas and Tehran, including discussions at the Ambassador level. We also urged Iranian authorities to allow the crew to communicate with their families in India," the statement continued.
Furthermore, the Consulate reached out to the UAE-based company that owns the ship on December 15 and has maintained communication with the Iranian agents of the company to ensure the provision of food, water, and fuel for the vessel, as well as to arrange legal representation for the crew in Iranian courts.
According to the embassy's statement, "After being informed about the dwindling food and water supplies on the ship, the Mission intervened with the Iranian navy to arrange emergency provisions in early January. The Indian Consulate in Dubai has also been urging the ship-owning company to secure legal representation and regular supplies for the crew aboard the ship."
"The situation is anticipated to undergo judicial proceedings in Iran. Nevertheless, the Mission and the Consulate continue to advocate for early consular access for the crew and to expedite the judicial process," it concluded.