9 Out of 12 Indians released detained in MT Riah ship by Iran

12 Indians

New Delhi, July 26, 2019:

In the recent development to the Iran captured oil tanker case, nine out of 12 Indians has been released by Iran who were on board the ship MT Riah that was detained in early July, official sources said Thursday.

However, 21 Indians are still in detention in Iran among which three from MT Riah and 18 from British oil tanker Stena Impero which was seized last week by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in the Strait of Hormuz for alleged violation of international maritime rules.

Indian Embassy on Thursday got consular access to the 18 Indians.

Also, 24 Indian crew members, who were on board shipping vessel 'Grace 1', which was detained by Gibraltar police authorities, are also under detention.

The boats have been seized amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the US since Washington began reimposing sanctions on Tehran.

Also Read : Assam | NRC and Flood stands as core issue of protests at Dispur Last Gate today

Indian officials have met the 24 Indian crew members who were on board shipping vessel 'Grace 1' and assured them that the government will take necessary steps to ensure their release and repatriation, as stated by the External Affairs Ministry on Thursday.

A team of the Indian High Commission in London met the Indian crew and staff on board VLCC Grace 1 on Wednesday, said reports.

Addressing the media, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that India had sought consular access which was granted on Wednesday and a three-member team visited and met all the 24 crew members.

"What we saw was that the crew members were very calm, very composed, and there was no sense of panic. They had been in regular touch with their family members. We had assured them that the government of India will undertake all the necessary steps to ensure their early release and repatriation," Kumar said.