Diplomatic Triumph: Release of 5 Indian Sailors from Iranian Custody

Tehran: In a significant diplomatic success, five Indian sailors detained by Iran aboard an Israeli-linked vessel were released on Thursday and have now left the country, as reported by the Indian embassy in Iran. The embassy expressed gratitude to the Iranian authorities for their effective coordination with both the Embassy and the Indian Consulate in Bandar Abbas.

“The release of the sailors marks a diplomatic breakthrough,” said the Indian Embassy. “We appreciate the Iranian authorities for their close coordination with the Embassy and Indian Consulate in Bandar Abbas,” MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.

Seizure of MSC Aries

The incident began on April 13, when Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy seized the Israel-linked cargo ship, MSC Aries, near the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel had 17 Indian nationals on board and was last seen on April 12, sailing towards the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Dubai.

One of the crew members, Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur, Kerala, safely returned to India on April 18, marking the beginning of the resolution of this tense situation.

Ongoing Negotiations and Release

The Ministry of External Affairs had been closely monitoring the situation and confirmed that one of the crew members had safely returned to India, while assuring that the remaining crew members were safe. Their return was contingent upon fulfilling certain contractual obligations.

“One girl who was there has returned. We had asked for consular access for these 16 people and we received that and our officers met them. Their health is good and there is no problem of any kind on the ship. Concerning their return, there are some technicalities and contractual obligations. Once they are done, it will decide their return,” MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said in a weekly press briefing on April 25.

The Iranian Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, also reassured that the Indian nationals on MSC Aries were not detained and were free to leave.

High-Level Diplomatic Engagements

The seizure of the container vessel prompted a series of high-level diplomatic engagements. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar communicated with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, emphasizing the need for the release of the 17 Indian crew members.

In response to a request from Estonia regarding a Portuguese ship detained in Iranian territorial waters and the release of its crew, Amirabdollahian stated, “The ship, which turned off its radar in the territorial waters of Iran and endangered the security of navigation, is detained under judicial rules.”

Amirabdollahian further mentioned that Iran had released all the ship’s crew members on humanitarian grounds and that if the ship’s captain cooperated, the crew, including the Estonians, could return to their country. He emphasized the necessity for all ships to comply with maritime rules and regulations to ensure maritime safety.

Rising Tensions Amid Regional Conflict

This incident occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Iran and the West, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the Indian sailors highlight the complexities and challenges of navigating international maritime disputes and geopolitical tensions.

In conclusion, the successful release of the five Indian sailors is a testament to effective diplomatic negotiations and the importance of international cooperation. As the remaining crew members fulfill their contractual obligations, it is hoped that they too will soon return safely to their homeland, marking the end of a challenging episode in maritime affairs.