On Sunday, Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar talked to his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and took up the release of 17 Indian crew members on board the Israel-linked container MSC Aries captured by Iran on Saturday. Following the talks, the Iranian minister assured that Indian representatives would soon be allowed to meet the captured crew.
Assistance on Kidnapped Crew
MSC Aries, the Portuguese-flagged vessel, was seized by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in the Strait of Hormuz. All 25 people aboard the ship were captured. Following the incident, India has been in touch with Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels to ensure a safe and early release of the Indian nationals.
Spoke to Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian this evening.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) April 14, 2024
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…
During their talks, Amir-Abdollahian informed Jaishankar that Iran is following up on the details related to the detained ship and assured support. The 25 crew members included 17 Indians, four Filipinos, two Pakistanis, one Russian, and one Estonian. The vessel was sailing from the UAE to India when the incident occurred.
Israel-Iran Tensions, India’s Reaction
In his discussions with Amir-Abdollahian, the Indian EAM urged Israel and Iran to avoid escalation, exercise restraint, and return to diplomacy. India also expressed grave concern regarding the escalation of hostilities, which threatens the peace and security of the region in a statement.
A few days after numerous reports of a potential Iranian attack on Israel emerged, Iran launched its first-ever direct attack on Israel on Saturday night, firing over 300 attack drones and missiles from its territory towards the Jewish state. The attack came after Israel destroyed the Iranian consulate in Syria, killing 12 people, including two Iranian generals. Ties between Israel and Iran have soured after Hamas’ 7 October attack on Israel, and the Israeli retaliation.
“We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence, and return to the path of diplomacy,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. It mentioned that it was closely monitoring the evolving situation in the region and that its embassies in the area were in close touch with the Indian community. “It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region,” it stated.
Earlier, as tensions escalated in West Asia, India issued a travel advisory asking Indians not to travel to Israel or Iran till further notice. It asked Indians residing in the two countries to get in touch and register with the respective Indian Embassies. Additionally, the MEA requested them to observe utmost safety precautions and restrict their movements to a minimum.
The situation has put the future of 5,000 Indian construction workers recruited and sent from UP and Haryana to Israel at risk. According to the Hindu, the next batch of workers to be sent to Israel on 16 April has been put on hold. Additionally, Air India has temporarily suspended its flights to Tel Aviv in view of the given situation.