Concern is mounting in India after sixteen Indian crew members aboard the oil tanker MT Valiant Roar were detained by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), with families urging the government to intervene urgently to secure their release. The incident has heightened anxiety among relatives, who say communication with the detained sailors has been minimal and information scarce.
According to available details, the MT Valiant Roar was intercepted on December 8 while transiting waters near Dibba, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Iranian authorities subsequently took control of the vessel and detained the crew, accusing the ship of smuggling nearly 6,000 metric tons of fuel. The allegation has not been independently verified, and no formal charges have been publicly detailed so far.
Following the interception, the crew members were taken into Iranian custody, and contact with them has reportedly been heavily restricted. Family members say they initially learned of the detention through unofficial sources and have since struggled to obtain reliable updates about the sailors’ condition or legal status. The prolonged silence has deepened fears about their safety and well-being.
The episode comes at a time of heightened maritime scrutiny in the region, where fuel smuggling, sanctions enforcement, and regional tensions have made commercial shipping increasingly vulnerable to interception. Iranian forces have previously seized vessels over alleged sanctions violations, often leading to extended detentions and complex diplomatic negotiations.
Among the detained sailors is engineer Ketan Mehta. His parents have publicly appealed to Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, calling for immediate diplomatic engagement with Tehran. Speaking to the media, they said they have not been able to speak with their son for more than two weeks and are extremely concerned about his health, given the uncertainty surrounding his detention.
Families of other crew members have echoed similar concerns, urging Indian authorities to provide clarity and reassurance. Many say they are struggling with the lack of official communication and are seeking confirmation that the sailors are safe and receiving adequate treatment.
Indian officials have not yet released detailed public statements on the matter, though sources indicate that diplomatic channels are being explored. In past incidents involving Indian nationals detained abroad, New Delhi has typically engaged through its embassies and high-level diplomatic outreach to seek consular access and resolution.
As days pass with limited information, pressure is growing on the Indian government to intensify efforts to secure the crew’s release. For the families waiting anxiously at home, the hope remains that swift diplomatic intervention can bring their loved ones back safely.
