The Embassy of India in Iran has issued a detailed response regarding the detention of the merchant vessel MT Valiant Roar by Iranian authorities, with 16 Indian crew members on board.
According to the Embassy, the Mission was informed around mid-December 2025 about the detention of the vessel. The Consulate of India in Bandar Abbas immediately wrote to the Government of Iran on 14 December seeking consular access to the detained Indian crew. The request for consular access has since been reiterated multiple times through diplomatic correspondence as well as in-person meetings in both Bandar Abbas and Tehran, including engagements at the Ambassadorial level. Iranian authorities were also requested to permit the crew to communicate with their families in India.
The Embassy stated that the Consulate established contact on 15 December with the UAE-based company that owns the vessel and has remained in touch with the company’s Iran-based agents. The company has been pressed to ensure the provision of food, water and fuel for the ship, and to arrange legal representation for the Indian crew in Iranian courts. After the vessel reported depletion of food and water stocks, the Mission intervened with the Iranian navy to facilitate emergency supplies of food and water in early January. The Indian Consulate in Dubai has also been engaging with the ship-owning company to ensure continued legal support and regular provision of essential supplies to the vessel.
Regarding detention of a Merchant Vessel (MT VALIANT ROAR) with Indian Crew members, by Iranian Authorities.@MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/9h1YV1rGd6
— India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) January 17, 2026
The Embassy noted that the matter is expected to be taken up through the judicial process in Iran. However, the Mission and the Consulate continue to press Iranian authorities for early consular access to the Indian crew and for the expeditious completion of the judicial proceedings.
In view of recent developments, the Embassy of India in Iran has advised Indian nationals to avoid non-essential travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice.
The Embassy has further urged Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) currently in Iran to exercise due caution, avoid areas witnessing protests or demonstrations, and closely monitor local news, as well as updates on the website and official social media handles of the Embassy of India in Tehran.
