Amid escalating tensions in the region, Iran has released five Indian crew members from the Portuguese-flagged container ship, MSC Aries. The vessel was seized by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in the Strait of Hormuz on April 13, alleging violations of maritime laws.
The Indian Embassy confirmed the release, stating, “5 of the Indian sailors on MSC Aries have been released and departed from Iran today evening.” This news brings relief to the families and loved ones awaiting the return of the sailors.
As reported previously in Financial Express Online, the ship was manned by a crew of 25, of which 17 were Indians. The sole woman, Ann Tessa Joseph, was released on April 18 by Iranian authorities.
However, the fate of the remaining crew members, including other Indian nationals, remains uncertain. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian had previously indicated that all crew members would be released, citing humanitarian grounds. Nevertheless, Iran maintains control of the vessel under judicial detention.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has been actively engaged in negotiations for the release of the sailors. At a weekly briefing, official spokesperson of MEA, Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the complexity of the situation, mentioning contractual obligations as a factor in the crew’s return.
The seizure of the MSC Aries stemmed from allegations that the vessel had disabled its radar in Iran’s territorial waters, posing a threat to navigation security. Amidst conflicting narratives, diplomatic efforts have been underway to resolve the issue peacefully.
External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, has acknowledged Iran’s responsiveness in addressing the matter. Continuous dialogue between Indian diplomatic channels and Iranian authorities has been instrumental in facilitating the release of the sailors.
The release of the Indian crew members represents a positive step towards de-escalating tensions in the region. It underscores the importance of diplomatic engagement and cooperation in resolving maritime disputes.
As the international community closely monitors developments in the Strait of Hormuz, efforts to ensure the safety and security of maritime navigation remain paramount. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in maintaining stability in vital waterways.