India presses Iran for consular access to 16 Indian crew detained on seized oil tanker

India has intensified diplomatic engagement with Iran, seeking early consular access and a swift resolution in the case of 16 Indian crew members detained on a merchant vessel seized last month, reports said on Saturday. The Indian embassy in Tehran confirmed that sustained efforts are underway at multiple levels.

According to the embassy, it was informed in mid-December 2025 about the detention of the tanker MT Valiant Roar. The Consulate of India in Bandar Abbas formally sought consular access on December 14 and has since followed up through diplomatic correspondence and in-person meetings in Bandar Abbas and Tehran, including discussions at the ambassadorial level.

The Indian mission has also requested Iranian authorities to allow the detained crew members to communicate with their families in India. In parallel, it has remained in contact with the UAE-based ship-owning company and its Iran-based agents to ensure adequate food, water and fuel supplies for the vessel, as well as legal representation for the crew.

After being informed of dwindling provisions on board, the Indian embassy intervened with the Iranian navy, which arranged emergency food and water supplies in early January. The Indian consulate in Dubai has also been engaging the vessel’s owner to ensure continued provisioning and legal support.

While the case is expected to proceed through Iran’s judicial process, the Indian mission said it continues to press for early consular access and expeditious completion of legal proceedings. The statement came amid appeals from families of detained crew members seeking urgent government intervention.