Iran: The Iranian government has allowed Indian government official to meet the 17 Indian crew members onboard an Israel-linked cargo ship seized by Iran. The access was given after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar dialled his Iranian counterpart Amir Abdollahian expressing concern over the crew’s conditions.
In an official statement, Iranian foreign ministry said that Dr S Jaishankar requested assistance in the matter. “Dr. Amir Abdollahian said in this regard that we are following up on the details of the seized ship and soon it will be possible for the representatives of the Indian government to meet with the crew of the said ship,” the statement read.
Informing about it, EAM S Jaishankar took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle and shared, “Spoke to Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian this evening. Took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries. Discussed the current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy. Agreed to remain in touch.”
It is worth mentioning here that Iran launched its first direct attack on Israel by firing hundreds of drones and missiles weeks after Israeli strikes on its consulate in Syria killed seven Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards.
Following this, India has called for immediate de-escalation and alerted its embassies in the region to stay in close touch with the Indian community there.
Spoke to Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian this evening.
Took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries.
Discussed the current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy.
Agreed to remain…
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) April 14, 2024
Ms Kalinga