Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian announced on Monday that Iranian authorities will permit Indian officials to meet the 17 Indian crew members of a cargo vessel seized by the Iranian military near the Strait of Hormuz.
Amir-Abdollahian conveyed this to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during a telephonic conversation on Sunday, according to an Iranian readout.
In the talks, Jaishankar called for release of the Indians onboard Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel MSC Aries.
“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 Iranian readout quoted Amir-Abdollahian as saying.
The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) announced on Saturday that it is collaborating closely with the appropriate authorities to ensure the welfare of all 25 crew members and the safe return of the vessel.
Following the Iranian military’s actions, Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, stated that the crew of the ship includes individuals from India, the Philippines, Pakistan, Russia, and Estonia.
Indian official sources have confirmed ongoing communication with Iran to facilitate the release of the 17 Indian nationals.
