Iran-Israel EAM S Jaishankar indicates Iran's willingness to solve MSC Aries cargo ship dilemma
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday indicated Iran's willingness to resolve the matter of the detainment of Indian crew members on a cargo ship.
"Yesterday night I spoke to my Iranian counterpart. I said that there were 17 crew members from India and we were making the point to the Iranian government that these people should be released," Jaishankar was quoted as saying by UNI.
"They should not be detained. So after that, there have been follow-up conversatations between our embassies and Iranian authorities ... My Iranian counterpart was responsive. He said okay I understand it. I will try and do something to them," he said.
The Minister said he is ensuring that the Indian embassy officials meet the detained crew members as soon as possible and facilitate their return to India.
He also emphasised the commitment of the Indian government, particularly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian citizens both domestically and internationally.
Jaishankar cited examples, such as the situations in Ukraine, Sudan, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the Indian government's track record of assisting its citizens in distress abroad.
"You are aware that when we speak about "Modi ki guarantee," it is "Modi ki guarantee" inside the country and outside the country. Whenever any Indian travels abroad, This guarantee Modi gives. They can take travel insurance but they get a free guarantee from Modi. Okay. Whatever trouble you are in, we are there for you. And we have shown it. We have shown it in Ukraine. We have shown it in Sudan. And we have shown repeatedly during Covid," he said.
On Sunday, the EAM had discussions with both the Israeli and Iranian foreign ministers to address the situation surrounding the detention of the MSC Aries cargo ship and its crew members by Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian assured regarding the Iranian authorities' follow-up on the details related to the detained ship and the possibility of allowing Indian government representatives to meet with the crew members.
The detention of the MSC Aries cargo ship by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz is a significant development, especially considering the presence of 17 Indian crew members onboard. The ship, which was en route to Mumbai's Nhava Sheva port, was seized by commandos from Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in a high-profile operation.
This incident comes amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, fueled further by Israel's alleged strike on Iran's consulate in Damascus. The raid on the MSC Aries and the subsequent detention of its crew members add complexity and sensitivity to an already tense situation in the region.
(With UNI inputs)
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