Noida Sailors Detained in Iran Finally Connect with Families After Government Intervention
In a significant development that has brought some relief to anxious families, sailors from Noida who have been detained in Iran since last December have finally been able to speak to their loved ones. This communication breakthrough came after the Indian government successfully intervened to secure consular access for the detained crew members.
Families Experience Mixed Emotions Amid Ongoing Uncertainty
While the families in India remain deeply concerned about how and when their loved ones will be repatriated, the ability to hear their voices has provided some measure of comfort. "At least we now know they are alive and coping with the situation," said Mukesh Mehta, who spoke with his son Ketan for the first time since December 31. "That alone is a huge relief," he added, capturing the bittersweet emotions shared by many relatives.
Ketan Mehta is one of eighteen sailors detained after the MT Valiant Roar oil tanker was intercepted on December 8 in international waters near the port of Dibba in the United Arab Emirates. The crew composition includes:
- Sixteen Indian nationals
- One Sri Lankan sailor
- One Bangladeshi crew member
Current Detention Conditions and Legal Status
During the crucial phone call on January 21, Ketan informed his family that the detained crew has not received any official explanation regarding the specific reasons for their detention. Furthermore, no formal charges have been framed against them at this stage. The sailors are being provided with basic necessities including food, but they remain in a state of legal limbo.
The detention situation varies among crew members:
- Ten sailors have been transferred to Bandar Abbas prison
- Eight crew members, including Ketan, remain confined on the vessel itself
Captain Vijay Kumar, the vessel's master who is among those still detained on the ship, spoke with his cousin Vinod Kumar on January 23. He described their confined conditions, stating they are restricted to the ship's mess room under constant guard with limited freedom of movement. "They are not allowed to leave," Vinod reported, adding that the crew is managing with remaining food stocks and cooking with very limited supplies.
Government Actions and Diplomatic Efforts
The Indian government has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve this situation. According to official statements submitted to the Delhi High Court, the government has taken multiple steps:
- Raised the issue with Iranian authorities through the Indian Embassy in Tehran
- Engaged the Consulate in Bandar Abbas
- Officials from the embassy met with Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 24, 2025, and again on January 8, 2026
These persistent diplomatic efforts eventually resulted in Iranian authorities granting consular access to all detained sailors. The access was provided in two phases:
- January 19: Access granted to ten crew members in Bandar Abbas prison
- January 22: Access extended to eight sailors still detained on the vessel
Legal Proceedings and Family Concerns
The families of all sixteen Indian sailors approached the Delhi High Court on January 10, seeking judicial intervention to secure consular access, expedite investigations, and ensure the safe return of the crew to India. In response to the court, the Union government detailed its ongoing efforts and revealed that an inter-ministerial meeting was held on January 18 involving multiple government bodies:
- Ministry of External Affairs
- Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
- Indian Embassy in Tehran
- Directorate General of Shipping
During a hearing on January 21, counsel representing the families expressed dissatisfaction with the status report filed by the Centre, seeking more specific and time-bound assurances regarding the sailors' repatriation. After hearing submissions from both sides, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav directed counsel for the Union government to obtain instructions on the concerns raised by the petitioners. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on January 27.
Background of the Detention
The detention stems from allegations by Iranian authorities that the MT Valiant Roar was involved in smuggling approximately 6,000 tonnes of fuel. However, relatives of the Indian sailors have contested this claim, maintaining that the tanker was carrying only very low sulphur fuel oil. Indian consular officials have informed the sailors that no formal charges have been framed as Iranian authorities are still awaiting cargo sample test results to determine the exact nature of the shipment.
As the diplomatic and legal processes continue, families in Noida and surrounding areas maintain a vigil, hoping for positive developments that will lead to the safe return of their loved ones. The recent ability to communicate has provided temporary relief, but the overarching anxiety about repatriation timelines and the sailors' wellbeing persists among all affected families.
