‘Not detained, all of them are free to go’: Iran envoy on Indians on board seized ship

NEW DELHI: Iranian envoy to India, Iraj Elahi, has said that the Indian nationals, crew members of MSC Aries, are not detained and that they are free to go.

The development comes after a woman cadet named Ann Tessa Joseph landed at the Cochin International airport, who was among the 17 Indians on board container vessel MSC Aries.

“All of them are free to go. They are not detained. They can return India. They are under command of the captain”, said envoy Elahi .

Iraj Elahi, Ambassador of Iran to India says, "The Iranian legal and legitimate response in targeting Israeli military infrastructures last night was based on the inherent right of self-defense and in response to the Zionist regime's military attack in targeting the Iranian…

— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2024

In a major diplomatic win for New Delhi, Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur, Kerala, one of the 17 Indian crew members of the Israel-linked cargo ship ‘MSC Aries’ that was seized by Iran on April 13, returned safely to her homeland, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed through an official statement on Thursday.

The Indian deck cadet landed at Cochin International Airport on Thursday afternoon and was received by the Regional Passport Officer of Cochin.

Indian deck cadet Ms. Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur, Kerala, a member of the crew on vessel MSC Aries returned home today. @India_in_Iran, with the support of Iranian authorities, facilitated her return. Mission is in touch with Iranian side to ensure the well being of the… pic.twitter.com/iE932Y4F4y

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 18, 2024

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday also added that the Indian mission in Tehran is in touch with the remaining 16 Indian crew members of the container vessel.

“The crew members are in good health and in contact with their family members in India. Indian Mission is also in touch with the Iranian authorities in ensuring the well being of the remaining crew members of MSC Aries,” it added. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had spoken to his Iranian counterpart Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian on the matter.

Lauding the efforts of the Indian embassy in Iran, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, “#ModiKiGuarantee always delivers”.

“Great work, @India_in_Iran. Glad that Ms. Ann Tessa Joseph has reached home. #ModiKiGuarantee always delivers, at home or abroad”, Jaishankar posted on X.

Notably, this comes after EAM Jaishankar earlier spoke with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in the wake of Iran’s direct attack on Israel on Saturday with missiles and drones that has stirred up tensions in West Asia.

The two leaders discussed the prevailing situation in West Asia, stressing that it is important to exercise restraint and return to diplomacy.

“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”, Jaishankar posted from his official X handle.

The Indian mission in Tehran was in touch with the remaining 16 Indian crew members of the container vessel, which is currently under Iranian control, the MEA informed. The crew members are in good health and in touch with their family members back home, the MEA release added.

The cargo ship was seized by Iran on April 13, with 17 Indian nationals on board. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy seized the container ship near the Strait of Hormuz, The Times of Israel reported, citing an Iranian news agency.

The MSC Aries was last seen on April 12, sailing towards the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Dubai, according to The Times of Israel. (ANI)