NEW DELHI: Iran has released nine out of 12 Indian crew members of MT Riah which was detained earlier this month.
Responding to a query, External Affairs Ministry’s official spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Friday that nine crew members have been released and they will be on their way to India soon.
“Our Mission in Iran has requested the concerned Iranian authorities for the release of the remaining crew members,” the spokesperson said.
MT Riah was detained along with 12 Indian crewmembers by the Iranian Coast Guard on July 13.
However, 21 Indians are still in detention in Iran—three from MT Riah and 18 from British oil tanker Stena Impero that was seized last week by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in the Strait of Hormuz for alleged violation of international maritime rules. The Indian Mission has been granted consular access to the 18 Indians who were on board Impero.
(AGENCIES)
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