Families of Indian sailors serving aboard the merchant vessel MT Valiant Roar have begged to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use his diplomatic influence and bring their sons back. This comes after reports emerged that 16 Indian crew members aboard the oil tanker were taken into custody by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Families of the detained sailors, including relatives of Third Engineer Ketan Mehta, are now appealing to PM Modi to step in and help secure their release. Information available so far indicates that the tanker was stopped on December 8, 2025, while it was passing through international waters near Dibba Port off the UAE coast.
Why has Iran detained Indian sailors?
Iranian authorities have accused the vessel of illegally transporting around 6,000 metric tonnes of fuel. Following the interception early last month, the 16 crew members aboard MT Valiant Roar were detained with their communication with the outside world being restricted.
Families of the detained sailors say they were initially informed through unofficial channels and have since been anxiously awaiting formal confirmation of their loved ones’ safety. The continued lack of clear information has only compounded their distress, prompting appeals for urgent diplomatic intervention.
Worth noting here is that the incident has occurred amid heightened maritime vigilance in the region, where fuel smuggling and the enforcement of international sanctions remain highly sensitive issues.
Who are the sailors detained in Iran?
Among those detained is marine engineer Ketan Mehta, who parents have made an emotional appeal to Prime Minister Modi, urging immediate action to secure their son’s release. Speaking to the media, they said they have not been able to communicate with Ketan for over two weeks and remain deeply concerned about his health and overall well-being.
They claim that the last contact with Ketan was on December 31, 2025, when he spoke briefly on phone and reassured them he was safe. His parents further told that after the sailor lost his phone, Ketan communicated with his parents through a colleague, oiler Pothi Diwakar.
Later, the family learned that 10 crew members, including Ketan, had been formally arrested by Iranian officials. “The MEA asked for his passport details, which we provided immediately. But since then, there has been no update, no clarity, and no reassurance,” said Mukesh Mehta, Ketan’s father.
Families of Indian sailors in Iran make emotional appeal
With this, they have requested PM Modi to intervene personally, saying, “The matter is grave. Our son is innocent and was just doing his job. We beg the Prime Minister to use his diplomatic influence to bring our son back home before it’s too late.”
A WION report quoted a relative of Captain Vijay, one of the detained crew, who said the ship was boarded by Iranian naval personnel and diverted to Bandar Abbas. According to the family member, the captain managed to send a brief message soon after the vessel was intercepted, asking for help in contacting the shipping company.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has sought consular access for the crew members, according to an earlier report by The Print, however, it hasn’t been granted yet. According to diplomatic sources quoted by the publication, the Indian crew is “free to leave” but remain on board “due to technical issues”.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday (January 16, 2026) said it has officially requested consular access for ten Indian nationals being held by authorities in Iran. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India is in touch with Iranian officials about their detention.