16 Indian Crew Members Detained by Iran Over Fuel Smuggling Allegations

Sixteen Indian crew members of the vessel MT Valiant Roar were detained by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps on December 8, 2025, near Dibba Port, UAE, accused of smuggling 6,000 MT of fuel. Among those detained is Third Engineer Ketan Mehta, whose family has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for assistance. The family has contacted India's Ministry of External Affairs and embassy but reports limited updates, expressing concern over the crew's safety amid ongoing detentions in Iran.