India Seeks Early Consular Access to 16 Indian Crew Detained by Iran

India is actively seeking early consular access to 16 Indian crew members detained aboard the commercial vessel MT Valiant Roar by Iranian authorities since mid-December. The Indian embassy in Tehran and consulates in Bandar Abbas and Dubai have repeatedly requested access and urged expeditious judicial proceedings. They have also coordinated with the UAE-based ship-owning company and Iranian navy to ensure the crew's welfare, including emergency supplies and legal representation, while requesting permission for the crew to communicate with their families.