Himachal Merchant Navy Officer Makes Brief Contact After 18 Days of Detention
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 an agonizing 18-day wait since the ordeal began.
A Brief but Reassuring Phone Call
In a brief telephone conversation that occurred on January 26, Rikshit told his parents "not to worry as he was fine." The call provided the first direct communication from the detained officer since his capture by US authorities.
"My son told me that they were kept in a hotel in the United Kingdom and that he was fine. He called us at 7.20pm on Republic Day from the same phone number he was using," Rikshit's father, Ranjit Chauhan, revealed in an interview on Friday.
Unanswered Questions and Continued Concerns
Despite the brief contact, significant questions remain unanswered. Chauhan noted that his son did not provide any information about when he might return home or whether he and the other detained Indians had been released from custody.
"He didn't speak much. I tried calling back several times on the same number, but his phone has been switched off ever since," the concerned father explained, adding that he remains deeply worried about Rikshit's safety and wellbeing.
The uncertainty has taken an emotional toll on the family. "I don't know when my son will return home. We also spoke to our MP, Rajeev Bharadwaj, who told us he was in touch with the ministry of external affairs (MEA)," Chauhan stated, highlighting the family's efforts to seek governmental assistance.
Background of the Detention Incident
The United States Coast Guard had seized the Russian-flagged oil vessel, Marinera, on January 7, detaining all crew members aboard. Interestingly, Chauhan had spoken with his son just hours before the detention occurred, making the subsequent silence particularly distressing for the family.
Rikshit Chauhan is a native of Sidhpur village in Palampur subdivision, located approximately 20 kilometers from Kangra. His maritime journey began when he left his home for Iran on August 1, 2025, to join the crew on a Russian ship. After sailing for approximately four months, the vessel headed toward Venezuela before the detention occurred.
Family's Emotional Struggle and Political Support
"We had spoken with Rikshit on Jan 7. He told us not to worry if his phone is unreachable as there could be a signal problem," Chauhan recalled, noting the heartbreaking irony of those final words before communication ceased.
The news of his detention came as a profound shock to his parents, who have since appealed directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure their son's release and safe return to India.
Adding to the family's emotional burden is an upcoming family celebration. According to relatives, Rikshit's elder brother's marriage is scheduled for February 19, creating additional urgency for his return.
Former chief minister and leader of opposition Jai Ram Thakur visited Rikshit's house and met with his parents on January 20, offering assurances that he would make all possible efforts to ensure the young officer's safe return to his homeland and family.
