New Delhi. On April 13, Iran seized a ship near the Strait of Hormuz, carrying 17 Indian crew members. After this incident, the Indian Foreign Ministry has contacted Iran for the release of Indian citizens. The ship was a cargo ship partly owned by a company owned by an Israeli billionaire and had 17 Indian nationals on board. India is now in touch with Iran for their release. This incident has happened amid increasing tension between Iran and Israel. Early today, Iran also attacked Israel with more than 300 drones and missiles.
Official sources said India raised the issue with Iranian authorities in both Tehran and New Delhi through diplomatic channels to ensure the safety and immediate release of its citizens. The incident comes against the backdrop of a possible attack by Iran on Israeli territory in response to the attack on the Iranian Consulate in Syria 12 days earlier. Official sources said India is working diplomatically with Iranian authorities in both Tehran and Delhi for the safety and early release of the 17 Indian crew members aboard the cargo ship ‘MSC Aries’.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed its commitment towards the security of Indian citizens. An Indian government source said, “We are aware that the cargo ship ‘MSC Aries’ has been seized by Iran. “We understand that there are 17 Indian nationals on board.” “We are in touch with Iranian authorities in both Tehran and Delhi through diplomatic channels to ensure the safety and early release of the Indian nationals,” the source said. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) said it was working with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the crew and the return of the ship. According to Adrian Watson, spokesman for the US National Security Council at the White House, the ship’s crew includes Indian, Filipino, Pakistani, Russian and Estonian nationals. The Portuguese-flagged ship is operated by Zodiac Maritime Shipping Co., which is partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer, Iranian news agency IRNA reported.