The Indian government said on Saturday it is in contact with the Iranian authorities to ensure the early release and return of 18 Indian nationals on board the British oil tanker seized by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. In a press statement, Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesman Raveesh Kumar said the Indian Embassy in Tehran has started negotiating with the Iranian government to ensure the early release and repatriation of the Indian citizens.
“We are ascertaining further details on the incident. Our Mission is in touch with the government of Iran to secure the early release and repatriation of Indian nationals,” he added. Meanwhile, a senior Iranian Embassy official in New Delhi was quoted by the Hindu newspaper as saying: “Based on the goodwill which exists between Iran and India, the two countries protect the nationals of the other side, and this is not a matter of concern.”
The 18 Indians were part of the 23-member crew of the British tanker impounded by Iran at the Strait on Friday. Iranian media quoted Iran’s revolutionary guards as saying that they held two British tankers; Mesdar and Stena Impero. Mesdar was released, while the other is still being held by Iran.
