Desk Correspondent , Delhi - The Indian government has intensified its diplomatic efforts to secure consular access to 16 Indian seafarers currently in the custody of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The crew was aboard the Dubai-based vessel MT Valiant Roar, which was reportedly intercepted in international waters near Dibba port on December 8, 2025. While the Iranian authorities have accused the vessel of smuggling approximately 6,000 metric tonnes of fuel—a claim the crew’s families vehemently deny—the situation escalated on January 6, 2026, when 10 of the crew members were reportedly moved from the ship to a prison in Bandar Abbas.

In New Delhi, the families of the detained sailors, including Third Engineer Ketan Mehta, have made emotional appeals to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for urgent intervention. They describe a harrowing ordeal involving a mid-sea chase and alleged assault by Iranian personnel during the boarding process. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Saturday that the Indian Embassy in Tehran and the Consulate in Bandar Abbas have repeatedly pressed Iranian officials for consular meetings and to allow the sailors to communicate with their relatives. Despite these persistent requests, formal access has yet to be granted, leaving families in a state of "constant anxiety" for over a month.

The seizure comes at a particularly volatile time, as Iran continues to grapple with widespread domestic protests and a near-total internet blackout. Although the MEA is coordinating with the ship-owning company to ensure supplies of food, water, and fuel reach the remaining crew members still on board, the legal proceedings in Iran's judicial system remain opaque. With the Delhi High Court also seeking a status report from the Central government by January 21, the pressure is mounting on New Delhi to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape and ensure the safe repatriation of the 16 nationals.