New Delhi: Iranian envoy to India, Iraj Elahi, has stated that the Indian nationals, crew members of MSC Aries, aren’t detained and that they’re free to go. The improvement comes after a girl cadet named Ann Tessa Joseph landed on the Cochin International airport, who was among the many 17 Indians onboard container vessel MSC Aries. “All of them are free to go. They are not detained. They can return India. They are under command of the captain,” stated envoy Elahi in response to ANI.
In a significant diplomatic win for New Delhi, Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur, Kerala, one of many 17 Indian crew members of the Israel-linked cargo ship ‘MSC Aries’ that was seized by Iran on April 13, returned safely to her homeland, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) knowledgeable by way of an official assertion on Thursday.
The Indian deck cadet landed at Cochin International Airport on Thursday afternoon and was acquired by the Regional Passport Officer of Cochin.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday additionally added that the Indian mission in Tehran is in contact with the remaining 16 Indian crew members of the container vessel.
“The crew members are in good health and in contact with their family members in India. Indian Mission is also in touch with the Iranian authorities in ensuring the well being of the remaining crew members of MSC Aries,” it added. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had spoken to his Iranian counterpart Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian on the matter.
Lauding the efforts of the Indian embassy in Iran, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated, “#ModiKiGuarantee always delivers”.
“Great work, @India_in_Iran. Glad that Ms. Ann Tessa Joseph has reached home. #ModiKiGuarantee always delivers, at home or abroad,” Jaishankar posted on X.
Notably, this comes after EAM Jaishankar earlier spoke together with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian within the wake of Iran’s direct assault on Israel on Saturday with missiles and drones that has stirred up tensions in West Asia.
The two leaders mentioned the prevailing scenario in West Asia, stressing that it is very important train restraint and return to diplomacy.
“Spoke to Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian this evening. Took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries. Discussed the current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy. Agreed to remain in touch,” Jaishankar posted from his official X deal with. The Indian Mission in Tehran was in contact with the remaining 16 Indian crew members of the container vessel, which is at the moment beneath Iranian management, the MEA knowledgeable.
The crew members are in good well being and in contact with their relations again house, the MEA launch added. The cargo ship was seized by Iran on April 13, with 17 Indian nationals onboard.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy seized the container ship close to the Strait of Hormuz, The Times of Israel reported, citing an Iranian information company.The MSC Aries was final seen on April 12, crusing in the direction of the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Dubai, in keeping with The Times of Israel.
