According to a report by news agency PTI, at least 17 Indian nationals are among the crew members aboard an Israeli-linked container ship seized by the Iranian military near the Strait of Hormuz. India is actively engaging with Iran through diplomatic channels in Tehran and Delhi to ensure the safety and prompt release of its citizens.
The incident occurred amidst heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, following an alleged attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1. Despite Israel's denial of involvement in the attack, Iran has threatened retaliation.
The seizure of the MSC Aries by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards occurred on Saturday morning as the vessel was navigating through the Strait of Hormuz. A video released earlier showed Iranian commandos raiding the ship by helicopter, an action attributed to Iran amid escalating tensions with the West.
Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported that the MSC Aries, flagged as Portuguese, was taken into Iranian waters on suspicion of its connection to Israel.
MSC, the operator of the Aries, confirmed the seizure and stated that it was collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure the safe return of the vessel and the well-being of its 25 crew members.
