HC seeks Centre’s reply on Iran’s detention of 16 Indian seafarers, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• 16 Indian seafarers were detained by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRG) on December 8, 2025, in international waters near Dubai.
• The Delhi High Court has issued notice to the Union government regarding the detention on January 15, 2026.
• Petitioners claim the seafarers have received no legal, financial, or consular aid from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
• Iran has accused the seafarers of smuggling diesel, while the vessel was carrying Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO).

Detailed Insights:

• The seafarers were on the vessel MT Valiant Roar, which had loaded cargo via ship-to-ship transfers from MT Global Beauty in Fujairah Port, UAE in July 2024.
• Ten seafarers are held in Bandar Abbas prison, while eight remain on the vessel, with consular access denied by Iranian authorities.
• The petitioners allege violation of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as the seafarers have been detained without formal orders for over 30 days.
• The vessel was intercepted by the IRG while awaiting navigational instructions after repairs, and the Iranian Navy allegedly opened fire on the vessel.
• The Indian government's counsel stated that the Centre is taking due steps to ensure assistance is provided to address the grievances of the seafarers.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Consular Access: The right of a detained foreign national to communicate with their country's consulate.
• Maritime Labour Convention, 2006: An international agreement that sets minimum standards for working conditions of seafarers.
• Innocent Passage: The right of a ship to pass through another country's territorial waters without interference, as long as it is not prejudicial to the peace, good order or security of the coastal State.