Delhi, 15 May (H.S): India has requested Iran to release almost 40 Indian seafarers who have been detained from four different merchant ships over the past eight months on various charges. The request was made by Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Tehran on Monday. Sonowal was in Tehran to sign a 10-year contract to operate the strategic Iranian port of Chabahar, which will help expand trade with Central Asia.

During their meeting, Sonowal requested Abdollahian to release all Indian seafarers in Iranian custody. While Abdollahian expressed positivity on their release, he also mentioned that legal procedures have to be followed, causing a delay. The sources reveal that the Indian seafarers were working in four different ships that were seized by Iran on various charges.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran is in regular contact with Iranian authorities, but attempts to give consular access to the crew members have been unsuccessful. This includes the nine Indian crew members on board the Steven, which was seized for smuggling in September 2023, and the 20 Indian crew members on board the Global Cherylyn, seized for fuel smuggling in December 2023. The Indian government hopes for a swift resolution to this matter and for the safe return of all Indian seafarers involved.

Hindusthan Samachar/ Indrani Sarkar