New Delhi, India – External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in a phone call with Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian to address the seizure of the ship MSC Aries and the urgent release of its 17 Indian crew members. The ministers also discussed the escalating situation in the region, emphasizing the need to de-escalate tensions.
In a post following the conversation, Jaishankar stated, "Spoke to Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian this evening. 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 in touch."
This development follows a letter from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to Jaishankar, expressing concern about the safety of Indian nationals, particularly those hailing from Kerala, onboard the Israel-linked ship seized in the Strait of Hormuz. CM Vijayan's letter confirmed three Keralites among the detained crew members.
The MSC Aries, a cargo ship with ties to Israel, was seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Saturday. Indian authorities are actively engaged with Iranian officials at diplomatic levels in both Tehran and Delhi to secure the crew's prompt and safe release.
The ship's seizure occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Iran and the West, fueled by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. On Saturday night, Iran launched a direct attack on Israel using drones and missiles, further intensifying the regional situation.
