Archive · 18 Jan 2026
India Presses Iran for Detained Crew Access
A ship called MT Valiant Roar was stopped by Iran's military group, the IRGC, in December 2025.
There were 16 Indian sailors on the ship, including a man named Ketan Mehta.
The family of Ketan Mehta is very worried and has asked the Prime Minister of India to help bring their son back.
The Indian Embassy in Iran is trying to help the sailors by asking Iran to let them talk to their families and to give them food and water.
The Embassy is also trying to make sure the sailors have lawyers to help them in court.
The ship was stopped because Iran thinks it was carrying fuel illegally.
The family and the Embassy are hoping for good news soon.
The UAE-owned vessel MT Valiant Roar was detained by the IRGC in December 2025 with 16 Indian crew members on board, including Ketan Mehta.
The Indian Embassy in Iran has been requesting consular access to the crew and has arranged emergency supplies of food and water.
The Embassy is also pressing for legal representation for the crew in Iranian courts.
Ketan Mehta's family has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for help in securing his release.
The detention comes amidst widespread protests in Iran against the government, with over 3,000 reported deaths.
- Who
- 16 Indian crew members, including Ketan Mehta, and the Indian Embassy in Iran
- What
- The detention of the UAE-owned vessel MT Valiant Roar and the Indian crew members by the IRGC
- When
- The vessel was detained in December 2025, with the Embassy's statement released in January 2026
- Where
- The vessel was detained in Bandar Abbas, Iran, after being intercepted in international waters off the port of Dibba, UAE
- Why
- The IRGC alleges the vessel was being used to smuggle 6,000 tonnes of fuel
Indian Government and Crew Families
Iranian Authorities
Consular Access
Indian Government and Crew Families
The Indian Embassy has repeatedly requested immediate consular access to the detained crew members and the right to communicate with their families.
Iranian Authorities
Iranian authorities have not yet granted consular access, citing ongoing judicial processes.
Legal Representation
Indian Government and Crew Families
India is pressing for legal representation for the crew in Iranian courts to ensure their rights are protected.
Iranian Authorities
Iran maintains that the matter is subject to its judicial process and has not confirmed the provision of legal representation.
- Name
- Ketan Mehta
- Age
- 27
- Occupation
- Third Engineer in Merchant Navy
- Ship Name
- M T Valiant Roar
- Seizure Date
- December 8, 2025
- Seizure Location
- International waters off Dibba, UAE
- Alleged Cargo
- 6,000 tonnes of fuel
- Seizing Authority
- Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
- Number of Indian Crew Members
- 16
- Embassy Action
- Requested consular access, arranged emergency supplies, and pressed for legal representation
Sources
‘Heard nothing’: Ghaziabad family appeals to PM for return of son believed to be in Iranian custody
Indian embassy says vessel with 16 Indian crew members detained in Iran, seeks consular access
Embassy Releases Statement After 16 Indian Crew Members Detained In Iran
India presses Iran for early consular access to 16 Indian crew members of detained vessel MT Valiant Roar
India seeks consular access for 16 crew members of ship detained by Iran
Indian missions Iran pressing for early consular access to 16 detained Indians
India pushes for consular access to 16 Indian crew members detained on MT Valiant Roar by Iranian authorities
