Iran claims the Indian crew of the captured ship is free to go as a female cadet returns

Of the 17 Indian crew members aboard a commercial ship with Israeli ties held by Iran, only one lady cadet went home on Thursday. The other 16 Indian crew members on board the cargo ship are apparently allowed to leave Iran and have not been detained.

Ann Tessa Joseph, a female cadet from Thrissur, Kerala, touched down at the Cochin International Airport and was greeted by the Regional Passport Officer.

Speaking about the situation, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that PM Narendra Modi’s assurance was effective both within and outside of the nation. He had discussed the issue earlier this week with his Iranian counterpart, Amir Abdollahian.

Fantastic job, Iran’s India. I’m glad Ms. Ann Tessa Joseph is back home. EAM Jaishankar wrote on X, “#ModiKiGuarantee always delivers, at home or abroad.”

Iraj Elahi, Iran’s ambassador to India, said that the Iranian government has granted the Indian embassy consular access to the Indians. Elahi said that the other sixteen Indian crew members on board the ship were free to depart Iran and had not been placed under arrest.

The remaining Indian crew members of the MSC Aries are expected to return home safely, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which claimed it was in contact with Iranian officials.

An MEA statement stated that “Indian deck cadet Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur, Kerala, who was among the Indian crew members of the container vessel MSC Aries, landed safely at the Cochin International Airport this afternoon with concerted efforts of the Indian mission in Tehran and the Iranian government.”

The statement continued, “To ensure the safety of the remaining crew members, the Indian mission is also in contact with the Iranian authorities.”

“The case is still under investigation, and the Indian mission in Tehran is in contact with the remaining sixteen members of the Indian crew. It further said that they are in excellent health and stay in touch with their relatives in India.

The ship’s crew numbered twenty-five, including the 17 Indians. The other members are Estonian, Russian, Pakistani, and Filipino. Iran detained the Israel-affiliated commerce vessel on April 13 for allegedly breaking maritime rules.