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Indian Crew Detained in Iran, Family Appeals to Modi for Rescue

Sixteen Indian crew members of the MT Valiant Roar have been detained by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps since early December, accused of smuggling fuel. The family of Third Engineer Ketan Mehta has made an emotional appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for urgent diplomatic intervention to secure their release. They last heard from Ketan on New Year's Eve and have received no substantial updates from Indian authorities despite providing requested documents. The situation has left the family, particularly Ketan's mother, in deep distress over his safety in an Iranian detention center.

Key Points: Indian Crew Detained in Iran, Family Appeals to PM Modi

  • 16 Indian crew detained in Iran
  • Vessel accused of fuel smuggling
  • Family's last contact was New Year's Eve
  • Direct appeal made to PM Modi
  • MEA response awaited
2 min read

16 Indian ship crew detained in Iran, family appeals to PM Modi

16 Indian crew members detained by Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Family of engineer Ketan Mehta appeals to PM Modi for urgent diplomatic intervention.

"We beg the Prime Minister to use his diplomatic influence to bring our son back home before it's too late. - Mukesh Mehta"

By Sandip Singh, New Delhi, January 15

After 16 Indian crew members of the vessel MT Valiant Roar were taken into custody by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, the family of Third Engineer Ketan Mehta has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for rescuing their son.

The MT Valiant Roar was intercepted by the IRGC on December 8, 2025, in the international waters near Dibba Port, UAE. The Iranian authorities have accused the vessel of smuggling 6,000 MT of fuel.

Ketan's father, Mukesh Mehta, said that the last time the Mehta family heard Ketan's voice was on December 31, 2025. Mukesh Mehta said that Ketan spoke to his parents on New Year's Eve, assuring them he was safe.

Having lost his phone, Ketan communicated via a colleague, an oiler named Pothi Diwakar. When the father recently managed to contact Diwakar, he was told that the IRGC had officially arrested 10 crew members, including Ketan.

The family has said they have contacted the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy. "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.

Meanwhile, Ketan's mother, Rajni Mehta, is inconsolable. She has not spoken to her son in over two weeks and fears for his basic safety in an Iranian detention centre.

The family has made a direct, emotional appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene personally.

"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," the father pleaded.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The vessel was in international waters near UAE. On what grounds can Iran detain them? This seems like an overreach. The international community should also put pressure. These are innocent seafarers, not criminals.
M
Meera T
My prayers are with Ketan and all the crew members. As a mother, I can feel Rajni ji's pain. The government's evacuation efforts during crises have been good in the past. I trust they will do everything possible this time too. Stay strong.
R
Rohit P
While I fully support bringing our citizens home, we must also ask tough questions. Was the ship really involved in smuggling? Our sailors' safety is paramount, but we must ensure our citizens are not caught in illegal activities abroad. Due process should be followed.
V
Vikram M
The MEA asking for passport details and then going silent is a classic bureaucratic delay. This is an urgent humanitarian issue, not a file to be processed slowly. Hope the PMO intervenes and cuts through the red tape. #BringThemHome
K
Kavya N
India has strong diplomatic ties with Iran. This should be resolved through dialogue. Our External Affairs Minister should speak directly to his counterpart. These are hardworking Indians supporting their families. They deserve our government's full backing.

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