India seeks consular access to nationals held in Iran after tanker crew detained

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said India has sought consular access to ten Indian nationals currently in Iranian custody.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that Indian authorities are in touch with the Iranian side regarding the matter. “Ten people have been taken into custody. We have asked for consular access for Indian nationals in Iran’s custody,” he said.

The statement follows reports that 16 Indian crew members aboard the oil tanker MT Valiant Roar were detained by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Families of the detained crew, including relatives of Third Engineer Ketan Mehta, have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and help secure their release.

According to available information, the MT Valiant Roar was intercepted on December 8, 2025, while sailing in international waters near Dibba Port off the UAE coast. Iranian authorities have alleged that the vessel was involved in the illegal transport of around 6,000 metric tonnes of fuel.

More from World

Fact-check: Have 6 Indians been arrested during Iran protests? Explained: China’s claim to India’s Shaksgam Valley and the Pakistan connection

A family member of Captain Vijay, who is among those detained, said the vessel was boarded by Iranian naval forces and diverted to Bandar Abbas. The captain reportedly sent a message shortly after the interception seeking help in coordinating with the shipping company. Subsequent attempts to contact him were unsuccessful, and the family was later informed by the operators that the crew had been detained by the Iranian Navy, without any clear explanation.