Iran to allow Indian govt representatives to meet 17 citizens onboard seized cargo ship
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There are 17 Indian nationals onboard a cargo ship which has been seized off the coast of the UAE amid escalating crisis in Middle East
Iran stated that it would give permission to the Indian govt representatives to meet the Indian crew onboard the seized cargo ship, MSC Aries.
The breakthrough was made when India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Amir Abdollahian on Sunday (April 14).
The announcement was made in Iran's readout which said, "Dr. Amir Abdollahian, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of our country, informed his Indian counterpart during a telephone conversation about Iran's legitimate defence and the punishment of the Israeli regime."
"He called for India's continued role through international institutions, including the UN Security Council, to stop the war in Gaza, which is the root of current crises in the region, as well as to end the aggressions and crimes of the Zionist regime," the readout added.
"The minister reiterated Iran's demand for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and the establishment of peace and security in the region from the Mediterranean shores to the Red Sea. The Indian foreign minister also stated that the most important issue for them is to witness a reduction in tensions. They are calling for responsibility from all parties and a favourable end to alleviate current tensions and improve the situation," the statement said.
Watch: India, Iran discuss situation in West Asia, S Jaishankar speaks to Iranian counterpart
Speaking about the situation of the Indian crew members, the readout stated, "Finally, the Indian foreign minister expressed concern about the situation of 17 Indian crew members on a detained ship by Iran and requested assistance from the Islamic Republic in this regard. Dr Amir Abdollahian mentioned that they are following up on the details related to the detained ship and soon the possibility of representatives of the Indian government meeting with the crew of the mentioned ship will be provided."
What did India say about the Indian crew?
The Indian side stated that they were in touch with the Iranian authorities to ensure the release of 17 Indian nationals who were among the 25 crew members of the cargo ship which was seized by a special forces unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Gulf of Hormuz, nearly 80 km off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Spoke to Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian this evening.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) April 14, 2024
Took up the release of 17 Indian 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…
After the meeting, S Jaishankar had written on X, "Took up the release of 17 Indian 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."
There has been growing concern in India over the Israel-Hamas conflict and the recent escalation in tensions between Iran and Israel.
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)
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