India in touch with Iran for Indian crew members’ release of seized ship

The Indian government is allegedly in contact with Iranian officials to ensure the safe and prompt release of seventeen Indian nationals who are among twenty-five crew members on a cargo ship that has been arrested by Iranian forces. 

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According to press sources, the operation to seize control of the cargo ship MSC Aries was carried out by a special forces unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Gulf of Hormuz, around 80 kilometers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. 

The message said, "We are aware that the cargo ship MSC Aries has been taken control of by Iran. We have learnt that there are 17 Indian nationals on board." One of the previously stated individuals disclosed, while seeking anonymity, that they had discovered there are seventeen Indian nationals on board the ship. 

It has been claimed that the Indian government is in communication with Iranian officials via diplomatic channels in order to ensure the safety and release of Indian citizens. This discussion is being participated in by Tehran and New Delhi. 

Twenty-five persons made up the crew of the container ship, according to a statement from the Italian-Swiss shipping line MSC. It was reported that "boarded by Iranian authorities via helicopter as she passed the Strait of Hormuz at approximately 0243 UTC this morning" 

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MSC said in a statement that they are "working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure their wellbeing, and safe return of the vessel." 

At a time when tensions between Iran and Israel were at an all-time high, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commandos near the Strait of Hormuz leaped out of a helicopter and took possession of a cargo ship. 

India issued a travel advice on Friday, recommending its nationals not to travel to Iran or Israel due to the recent escalation of hostilities between the two nations. Additionally, the Indian government has requested that all Indian nationals residing in the two countries take "utmost precautions."