Indian Embassy Seeks Consular Access for Detained Crew in Iran
Indian Crew Members Detained by Iranian Authorities
On Saturday, the Indian Embassy in Tehran called on Iranian officials to provide consular access to 16 Indian nationals who were part of a ship's crew detained by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on December 8.
The crew members were aboard the MT Valiant Roar, a vessel owned by Glory International FZ LLC / Prime Tankers LLC, based in Dubai, which is also known as Global Tankers in India.
Family members reported that the crew was apprehended while the ship was in international waters near Dibba port, with the vessel reportedly carrying Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil. However, Iranian authorities have accused the crew of attempting to smuggle diesel.
In a statement shared on social media, the embassy noted that it was informed about the detention of the MT Valiant Roar and its crew around mid-December 2025.
The Indian Consulate in Bandar Abbas had reached out to the Iranian government on December 14 to request consular access for the detained crew.
Regarding detention of a Merchant Vessel (MT VALIANT ROAR) with Indian Crew members, by Iranian Authorities.@MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/9h1YV1rGd6
— India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) January 17, 2026
Despite multiple requests, the embassy stated that access has not yet been granted. Additionally, the Indian Consulate in Dubai is advocating for legal assistance for the crew, having first contacted the ship-owning company on December 15.
The embassy also requested that Iranian authorities allow the crew to communicate with their families back in India.
Efforts are being made to ensure that the crew receives food, water, and fuel for the ship, as well as legal representation in Iranian courts.
The embassy emphasized that the case will adhere to Iran's legal procedures, while continuing to urge for prompt consular access and swift judicial proceedings.
This statement follows a petition filed by the families of the detained crew members in the Delhi High Court, asking the Union government to facilitate consular access and expedite the investigation and repatriation process.
On Thursday, the High Court issued a notice to the Union government, with a hearing scheduled for January 21, as reported by the petitioners' counsel, Gurinder Pal Singh.
The parents of one detained crew member, Ketan Mehta, have also reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting intervention for their son's release.