India presses Iran for access to 16 Indian crew held on detained vessel MT Valiant Roar

India is pressing Iranian authorities for immediate consular access, communication with families, and speedy legal proceedings for the 16 Indian crew members detained aboard the vessel MT Valiant Roar, the Indian Embassy in Iran said on Saturday.

According to the Embassy, the Indian Consulate in Bandar Abbas sought consular access on December 14 soon after learning about the ship’s detention and has since raised the matter repeatedly through diplomatic correspondence and in-person meetings in both Bandar Abbas and Tehran, including at the ambassadorial level.

India has also urged Iranian authorities to allow the crew to contact their families in India and ensure their safety and welfare during the judicial process.

Food, water, fuel and legal help arranged

The Embassy said it has been in constant touch with the UAE-based ship-owning company and its Iran-based agents, pressing them to provide regular food, water, fuel supplies, and legal representation for the detained crew. After the ship reported shortages, the Indian Mission coordinated with the Iranian navy to arrange emergency supplies earlier this month.

The Indian Consulate in Dubai is also following up with the company to ensure uninterrupted provisioning and legal assistance.

While the matter is expected to proceed through Iran’s courts, Indian authorities said they are continuing to press for early consular access and expeditious completion of legal proceedings.

“The Mission and the Consulate continue to press the Iranian authorities to grant early consular access to the crew, and to ensure expeditious completion of the judicial proceedings,” the Embassy said.