Archive · 16 Jan 2026
India Seeks Access to Detained Sailors in Iran
Sixteen Indian sailors were stopped by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on December 8, 2025, near Dibba Port in UAE waters.
They were accused of smuggling a lot of fuel.
One of the sailors, Ketan Mehta, last spoke to his family on December 31, 2025.
His family is very worried and has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help bring their son back home.
The Indian government is trying to get permission to visit the sailors, but it hasn't been allowed yet.
The sailors are not prisoners but are still on the ship because of some problems.
Sixteen Indian sailors were detained by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on December 8, 2025, near Dibba Port in UAE international waters.
The sailors were accused of smuggling 6,000 metric tonnes of fuel.
Ketan Mehta, one of the detained sailors, last contacted his family on December 31, 2025.
India has sought consular access for the ten Indian nationals in Iranian custody, but it has not been granted yet.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is in touch with Iranian authorities regarding the matter.
- Who
- 16 Indian sailors aboard the MT Valiant Roar, including Ketan Mehta
- What
- Detained by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
- When
- Intercepted on December 8, 2025; last contact with Ketan Mehta on December 31, 2025
- Where
- Near Dibba Port in UAE international waters
- Why
- Accused of smuggling 6,000 metric tonnes of fuel
Iran's Accusation
India's Stance
Detention of Sailors
Iran's Accusation
Iran accuses the sailors of smuggling 6,000 metric tonnes of fuel.
India's Stance
India seeks consular access and denies involvement in smuggling.
- Number of Detained Sailors
- 16
- Date of Interception
- December 8, 2025
- Location of Interception
- Near Dibba Port, UAE international waters
- Accusation by Iran
- Smuggling 6,000 metric tonnes of fuel
- Last Contact with Ketan Mehta
- December 31, 2025
- Number of Arrested Crew Members
- 10
- Consular Access Status
- Not yet granted
- Crew's Current Status
- Free to leave but on board due to technical issues
