Iran's Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, affirmed on Thursday that the 16 remaining Indian crew members on a seized cargo ship are not under detention and are allowed to leave the country. This statement follows the safe return of Indian deck cadet Ann Tessa Joseph to India.
"The 16 Indian crew members on board the cargo ship have not been detained and are free to leave the country easily,” Ambassador Elahi stated in a phone interview. Joseph, a native of Kerala's Thrissur, was welcomed at the Cochin International Airport by the Regional Passport Officer.
Highlighting the development, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who previously conferred with Iranian counterpart Amir Abdollahian, emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to the safety of Indian citizens both domestically and abroad.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) underscored that Joseph's return was facilitated by the combined efforts of the Indian Mission in Tehran and the Iranian government. The MEA remains engaged with Iranian authorities to ensure the well-being and safe return of the remaining MSC Aries crew members.
"The Indian Mission in Tehran remains seized of the matter and is in touch with the remaining 16 Indian crew members of the container vessel. The crew members are in good health and in touch with their family members in India. The Indian Mission is also in touch with the Iranian authorities in ensuring the well-being of the remaining crew members of MSC Aries," the MEA stated.
