MEA in touch with Iran for early release of Indians aboard seized British tanker

The MEA said it was ascertaining Iran’s claims that there are 18 Indians among the 23 crew members of the British-flagged oil tanker seized by the Gulf country in the Strait of Hormuz .

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New Delhi: India has asked Iran to release its nationals who were onboard the seized British-flagged oil tanker — STENA IMPERO.

“We are ascertaining further details on the incident. Our Mission is in touch with the Government of Iran to secure the early release and repatriation of Indian nationals,” said Ravish Kumar, spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The MEA Saturday told ANI it was ascertaining Iran’s claims that there are 18 Indians, among the 23 people, who have been detained onboard the oil tanker, which is presently stationed at Bandar Abbas port.

Iran has said it has seized the vessel Friday, which had a crew of 23 members, in the Strait of Hormuz as it had collided with an Iranian fishing vessel.

Deeply concerned about Iran’s unacceptable actions, says UK

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said there will be “serious consequences” if Iran does not release the tanker.

According to the BBC, the tanker was surrounded by four vessels and a helicopter.

A spokesperson of the UK government’s emergency committee has told the BBC that the UK government is “deeply concerned about Iran’s unacceptable actions”, saying they “represent a clear challenge to international freedom of navigation”.