Himachal Merchant Navy Officer Makes Brief Contact After 18 Days of Detention
In a significant development that brought temporary relief to an anxious family, Rikshit Chauhan — the 26-year-old merchant navy officer from Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district who was among three Indians detained by United States forces aboard a Russian-flagged oil tanker — has finally managed to speak with his parents after eighteen long days of uncertainty and worry.
A Brief Republic Day Phone Call
On January 26, during a brief phone call that lasted just moments, Rikshit told his parents "not to worry as he was fine." His father, Ranjit Chauhan, shared details of this emotional conversation with reporters on Friday, revealing that his son called at 7:20 PM on Republic Day from the same phone number he had been using previously.
"My son told me that they were kept in a hotel in the United Kingdom and that he was fine," said the relieved yet still concerned father. However, Chauhan noted that Rikshit did not provide any information about when he might return home or whether he and the other detained Indians had been released from custody.
Communication Cut Off Again
The momentary connection was followed by renewed anxiety when attempts to reach Rikshit again proved unsuccessful. "He didn't speak much during the call. I tried calling back several times on the same number, but his phone has been switched off ever since," Chauhan explained, adding that he remains deeply worried about his son's safety and wellbeing despite the brief reassurance.
"I don't know when my son will return home. We have also spoken to our Member of Parliament, Rajeev Bharadwaj, who told us he was in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs regarding this matter," the father stated, highlighting the family's ongoing efforts to secure Rikshit's release through official channels.
Background of the Detention Incident
The United States Coast Guard had seized the Russian-flagged oil vessel, Marinera, on January 7 and detained all crew members aboard. Interestingly, Chauhan had spoken with his son just hours before this detention occurred, during which Rikshit had advised his family not to worry if his phone became unreachable due to potential signal problems at sea.
Rikshit Chauhan is a native of Sidhpur village in Palampur subdivision, approximately 20 kilometers from Kangra. His maritime journey began when he left home for Iran on August 1, 2025, to join the crew of a Russian ship. After sailing for approximately four months, the vessel was headed toward Venezuela when the detention occurred.
Family's Emotional Appeal and Political Support
The news of his detention came as a profound shock to his parents, who have since made a heartfelt appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure their son's release and safe return to India. The family's distress is compounded by an upcoming family event — Rikshit's elder brother's marriage is scheduled for February 19, adding urgency to their desire for his return.
Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur visited Rikshit's family home on January 20, meeting with his parents and assuring them that he would make all possible efforts to ensure the young officer's safe return. This political support has provided some comfort to the family during this challenging period.
The situation continues to evolve as diplomatic channels work to resolve the detention of Indian nationals aboard foreign vessels, with families across the country watching closely for developments that might bring their loved ones home safely.
