Iran agreed to give India access to the 17 citizens

Amidst ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, on April 14th, Iran agreed to give India access to the 17 citizens on the Israel-affiliated ship 'MSC Aries' seized near the Strait of Hormuz by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGS) of Iran.

This action was discussed by Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday, on call, where the former gave the reassurance, according to the readout. This came after EAM asked the Islamic Republic for assistance after expressing worry about the conditions of the 17 Indian crew members on the detained ship.

“We are following up on the details of the seized ship and soon it will be possible for the representatives of the Indian government to meet with the crew of the said ship,” the readout quoted Amir-Abdollahian as saying.

The EAM also conversed about the West Asia situation with Amir Abdollah, following the Iran launch of a barrage of missiles on Israel on Saturday, April 13th, 2024.

"Took up the release of 17 Indian Citizens crew members of MSC Aries. Discussed the current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint, and returning to diplomacy. Agreed to remain in touch," Jaishankar tweeted.

EAM Jaishankar also stated that the priority was to witness a reduction in tension by calling for accountability from all parties and an adept conclusion to alleviate current tensions to improve the situation. He also received a letter from Kerela Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

"I am writing to you to share my government's concern regarding the safety and welfare of Indian nationals who are the crew members of the ship MSC Aries, which was seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards near the Strait of Hormuz. As per the reports available, three among the crew, namely Shri Sumesh, PV Dhanesh and Syamnath, have been confirmed to be natives of Kerala," he wrote in the letter.

Saying that the ship's seizure has caused great concern, he stated that the "collective objective at this point of time is the safe repatriation of all our nationals, including those from Kerala, back to India without any delay."

Citizens
Image: Editorji

Highlighting the sensitive geopolitical situation surrounding this incident, he emphasized, "I urge immediate intervention and decisive action
through diplomatic channels."

The Italian-Swiss shipping group MSC has said it is “working closely with the relevant authorities” to ensure the wellbeing of the crew. The ship is associated with London-based Zodiac Maritime, part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Group. The 17 Indian Citizens onboard the Portuguese-flagged and Israel-linked cargo vessel include the master. The crew also has four Filipinos, two Pakistanis, one Russian, and one Estonian.

Iran seized the ship under the suspicion of being associated with Israel. Following the seizure of the ship by an IRGC special forces unit approximately 80 km offshore the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indian authorities announced that they were in contact with their Iranian counterparts to guarantee the safety and prompt release of 17 Indian citizens who were part of the ship's 25-member crew.

Dr. Amir Abdollahian discussed the justifiable defense of Iran and the retribution of the Israeli government. He demanded that India continue to play a role in working with international organizations, such as the UN Security Council, to put an end to the Zionist regime's aggressions and crimes as well as the Gaza War, which is the primary cause of the present problems in the area.

The minister restated Iran's demands for the creation of peace and security in the area, extending from the Mediterranean coast to the Red Sea, as well as for a long-term truce in Gaza.

From the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict, India has taken various precautions and actions including the ships with Indian crew members that were targeted by Iran's proxy forces such as Houthi rebels of Yemen. On Friday, Indian authorities issue an advisory urging its citizens against traveling to Iran or Israel, keeping in mind the rise of tension between the two sides. Indian nationals residing in Iran and Israel were asked to observe 'utmost precautions'.

You might also be interested in: Iran’s threat to use “a new secret weapon” if Israel retaliates