Iran gives India access to 17 citizens on board seized Israeli-linked ship

Iran said it has agreed to give India access to 17 of its citizens who are on board the seized Israel-linked ship which was seized by the Iranian military near the Strait of Hormuz on April 13.

Iran's Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian told Jaishankar during a phone conversation on April 14 that they are following up on the details related to the detained ship and soon the possibility of representatives of the Indian government meeting with the crew of the detained ship ship 'MSC Aries' will be provided.

"The Indian Foreign Minister expressed concern about the situation of 17 Indian crew members on a detained ship by Iran and requested assistance from the Islamic Republic in this regard," Iran's foreign ministry said in a statement.

"Dr. Amir Abdollahian mentioned that they are following up on the details related to the detained ship and soon the possibility of representatives of the Indian government meeting with the crew of the mentioned ship will be provided."

The assurance came hours after Indian foreign minister Jaishankar spoke to his Iranian counterpart seeking assistance from Iran on the early release of 17 Indians onboard a seized Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel.

Jaishankar also talked to his Israeli counterpart amidst the ongoing tensions and called for avoiding escalation, exercising restraint, and returning to the path of diplomacy.

In its reaction, India called for immediate de-escalation of the situation and said that its embassies in the region are in close touch with the Indian community in the region.

"We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

"We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy," it said.

The MEA said India is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia.

"We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our Embassies in the region are in close touch with the Indian community," it said in a statement.

"It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region," it added.

Iran's unprecedented attacks drew international condemnation and anguish with many global leaders calling for restraint by both Iran and Israel.

In his phone conversation with Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Jaishankar also called for the release of 17 Indians onboard a Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel MSC Aries.

On Saturday, the Iranian military seized a cargo ship with Israeli links near the Strait of Hormuz. The ship has 17 Indian crew members.

"Spoke to Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian this evening. Took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries," Jaishankar posted on 'X' "Discussed the current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy. Agreed to remain in touch," he said.

In his talks with Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz, Jaishankar shared India's concerns over the situation arising out of the Iran-Israel hostilities.

"Shared our concern at the developments yesterday. Discussed the larger regional situation. Agreed to stay in touch," the external affairs minister said.

With escalation of tensions in West Asia, India on Friday asked its citizens not to travel to Iran and Israel.

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