Iran’s foreign ministry said on Monday that Indian government officials will be allowed to meet 17 Indian crew members from an Israeli-linked cargo ship seized by Iran. The assurance came after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called his Iranian counterpart Amir Abdullahian to express concerns about the condition of the crew.
Iran’s foreign ministry said in a statement that Jaishankar requested assistance in the matter. “Dr. Amir Abdullahian said in this regard that we are following up on the details of the seized vessel and Indian government representatives will soon be able to meet with the crew of the vessel,” the statement read.
India has been in contact with Iran after the ship was seized on Saturday to secure the release of the crew. As tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate, Jaishankar has called for avoiding escalation and exercising restraint.
“Spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister @Amirabdolahian tonight. Discussed release of 17 Indian crew members from MSC Aries. Discussed current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy. Agreed to stay in touch ,” he said in a post on X.
Iran launched its first direct attack on Israel by launching hundreds of drones and missiles, weeks after Israel attacked its consulate in Syria, killing seven Iranian Revolutionary Guardsmen.
India called for immediate de-escalation and reminded its embassies in the region to stay in close contact with local Indian communities.
“We are seriously concerned about the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, which threatens peace and security in the region. We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, an end to violence and a return to the path of diplomacy,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
