Ten Indian Crew Members Jailed, Six Held Hostage in Iran

Sixteen Indian nationals have been detained in Iran, with ten placed in jail amid rising unrest in the country. The detentions occurred against a backdrop of public protests and signals from the United States regarding potential international action. Families of the crew members are expressing deep concern about the safety and well-being of their loved ones.

The situation escalated on December 8, 2022, when Iranian authorities seized the merchant vessel MT Valent Ror near the Dibba port, alleging that it was carrying illegal diesel. The ship had a total crew of 18, comprising 16 Indian nationals, one Bangladeshi, and one Sri Lankan. On January 6, 2023, ten Indian crew members were sent to jail, while the remaining six were held under strict supervision on board the vessel.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that the case is currently under judicial review. Despite efforts to secure consular access, initial attempts on January 10 were unsuccessful due to ongoing disruptions in the region. The Indian embassy in Tehran is actively engaging with both the crew and the shipping company, Prime Tankers LLC, to ensure the welfare of those detained.

The owner of the ship, Joginder Barad, has denied the allegations concerning illegal diesel, asserting that the vessel was instead transporting very low sulfur fuel oil for other ships operating in international waters. He emphasized that the crew has been treated unfairly and that the company’s primary objective is to facilitate their safe return to India.

The six Indian crew members, including the captain from Uttar Pradesh and other officers and sailors from various states including Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Haryana, and Delhi, have been confined under strict supervision for over 45 days. Alongside them are a Bangladeshi chief engineer and a Sri Lankan electrical officer. Reports from the crew indicate that conditions aboard the ship are dire, with eight personnel sharing a cramped fourteen-by-ten-foot mess area for sleeping and daily activities.

Rations have been minimal. After supplies ran out in December, Barad arranged for additional food, which was delivered on December 25. Despite this, only rice remains after a week, with the onboard cook preparing it twice daily, served with salt. Water supplies are nearly exhausted, forcing the crew to boil industrial water marked “not for drinking” to stay hydrated. Furthermore, diesel for the generator is being rationed for nighttime use, raising concerns about how long it will last.

All personal belongings, including mobile phones, laptops, and bags, were confiscated by Iranian security forces on December 8. Limited phone access has allowed for brief communication with families, but only 5GB of data is available until January 31. Families have voiced distress over the prolonged detention, with some crew members’ employment contracts set to expire this January and others approaching significant personal milestones, including weddings.

Members of the shipping union in India have criticized Iran’s actions as inhumane, asserting that the crew should not be penalized for the company’s operations or cargo. Barad has confirmed that diplomatic efforts are ongoing but highlighted challenges stemming from internal conditions in Iran that hinder legal representatives from meeting the crew.

On January 15, families approached the Delhi High Court seeking urgent intervention regarding the situation. Government representatives assured the court that appropriate measures are being taken and that continued assistance will be provided. The next hearing is scheduled for January 21. Union representatives insist that accountability should rest with the shipping company regarding the cargo, not the crew, and are advocating for the immediate repatriation of all Indian personnel.