Ship Seized By Iran Has 17 Indian Crew Members, India Raises Matter With Iran

New Delhi: The cargo ship ‘MSC Aries’ that was seized by Iran off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had 17 Indian nationals onboard. India has raised the issue with Iran in seeking their release but nothing has happened so far, sources told ABP LIVE.

“We are aware that a cargo ship ‘MSC Aries’ has been taken control by Iran. We have learnt that there are 17 Indian nationals onboard,” an official source confirmed ABP LIVE.

The source also said India is “in touch with the Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels, both in Tehran and in Delhi, to ensure security, welfare and early release of Indian nationals.” 

The Portuguese-flagged ship, which is linked to Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, was taken over by Iranian special forces in the early hours of Saturday as tensions between Israel and Iran peaked. 

According to a statement issued by MSC, there were 25 crew members onboard at the time of the seizure.

ALSO READ | Israel Warns Of ‘Consequences’ After Iran Seizes Cargo Ship Off UAE Coast Amid Soaring Tensions In Middle East

Israel-Iran Tensions

Iran has vowed to attack Israel after Tehran blamed the Benjamin Netanyahu government for attacking its mission in Damascus on 1 April in which two senior Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) commanders got killed and five others. 

This comes amid soaring tensions between Iran and Israel since the Israeli Defence Forces attacked Gaza in October 2023.

According to Iranian state-run media IRNA, the IRGC Navy confirmed to them that “the seizure of a foreign vessel affiliated with the Zionist regime in the Persian Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz, adding that further details will be announced soon.”

Israel has accused Iran of conducting piracy in the seas. 

U.S. President Joe Biden Friday said he expected Iran to attack Israel “sooner, rather than later” and asked Tehran to show restraint.  

Reacting to the seizure of MSC Aries, Israel’s military spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said “Iran will bear consequences for choosing to escalate this situation any further.”

India has also issued a travel advisory like the US, UK, and others cautioning people not to travel to Iran or Israel in the wake of the rising tensions.