Naval Special Forces of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have reportedly seized the ‘MSC Aries’ due to its ties to Israel. (Photo: PTI)
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday spoke to his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and requested the release of 17 Indian nationals on board a Portuguese-flagged cargo ship.
On the hostilities between Iran and Israel, Jaishankar during the phone call called for avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to the path of diplomacy.
India has been in touch with Iran to seek the release of Indians on board the container ship MSC Aries that was seized by the Iranian army near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday.
“I spoke to Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian this evening. I discussed the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries,” Jaishankar said on ‘X’.
“The current situation in the region was discussed. Stresses the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy. Agreed to keep in touch,” he said.
Recorded the release of 17 Indian crew members from MSC Aries.
Discussed the current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy.
Agree to stay… —Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) April 14, 2024
Special naval forces of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) have seized the ‘MSC Aries’, reportedly because of its ties to Israel.
The MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) says it is working closely with the relevant authorities for the well-being of 25 crew members and the return of the ship.
Hours after the Iranian action, White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the ship’s crew included Indian, Philippine, Pakistani, Russian and Estonian nationals.
In his telephone conversation with Amir-Abdollahian, Jaishankar is said to have discussed the hostilities between Iran and Israel.
Early Sunday, Iran launched its first direct attack on Israel, firing hundreds of drones and missiles in response to a suspected Israeli attack on its consulate in Damascus on April 1, killing seven Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guardsmen, including two generals came.
India, in its response, called for immediate de-escalation of the situation and said its embassies in the region are in close contact with the Indian community in the region.
“We are deeply concerned about the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, which threatens peace and security in the region,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
“We call for immediate de-escalation, restraint, a reduction in violence and a return to the path of diplomacy,” the report said.
The MEA said India is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia.
“We are closely monitoring the developing situation. Our embassies in the region are in close contact with the Indian community,” the MEA said in a statement.
“It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region,” it added.
First print: April 14, 2024 | 11:53 PM IST