Iran has assured India that its representatives will soon be permitted to meet the Indian crew members of the MSC ARIES, a container ship seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards. This assurance came during a conversation between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart, Amir Abdollahian, where India raised concerns about the detention of 17 Indians on board the MSC ARIES.
In a series of diplomatic talks on Sunday, Jaishankar engaged with both Israeli and Iranian counterparts amid heightened tensions between the two countries and stressed on the release of the 17 Indian crew members detained by Iran.
Taking to X, Jaishankar stated, "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."
Following the discussions, Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian confirmed that Iran is working on the details concerning the detained ship. He expressed Iran's willingness to facilitate a meeting between the Indian government representatives and the crew members of the MSC ARIES.
Additionally, Iran called upon India to continue its engagement through international bodies, including the UN Security Council, to address the root causes of conflicts in the region, particularly the ongoing situation in Gaza.
Earlier on Saturday, the MSC ARIES, with 17 Indian crew members onboard, was seized by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards while transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. The ship, en route to Mumbai's Nhava Sheva port, was intercepted amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, sparked by alleged Israeli actions in Syria.
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Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard conducted a helicopter raid on the vessel near the Strait of Hormuz and seized the ship.