New Delhi: Iran has released nine out of 12 Indians who were on board the ship MT Riah that was detained in early July, official sources said on Thursday.
However, 21 Indians are still in detention in Iran- three from MT Riah and 18 from British oil tanker Stena Impero which was seized last week by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in the Strait of Hormuz for alleged violation of international maritime rules.
Indian Embassy was permitted consular access to the 18 Indians who were on board Impero.
Also, 24 Indian crew members are also under detention, which was detained by Gibraltar police authorities , who were on board shipping vessel ‘Grace 1’. The Indian officials have met them and has assured to take necessary steps for their release and repatriation.
After meeting 24 crew members MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “What we saw was that the crew members were very calm, very composed, and there was no sense of panic. They had been in regular touch with their family members. We had assured them that the government of India will undertake all the necessary steps to ensure their early release and repatriation.”
