New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic win and with the concerted efforts of the Indian Mission in Tehran and the Iranian Government, Indian deck cadet Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur, Kerala, who was among the Indian crew members of container vessel MSC Aries, has arrived safely at the Cochin International Airport on Thursday afternoon.
At the airport, Joseph was received by the Regional Passport Officer, Cochin, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.
The Ministry of External Affairs further said that the Indian Mission in Tehran remains seized of the matter and is in touch with the remaining 16 Indian crew members of the container vessel.
“The crew members are in good health and in contact with their family members in India. The Indian Mission is also in touch with the Iranian authorities to ensure the well-being of the remaining crew members of MSC Aries. Earlier, External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar had spoken to his Iranian counterpart Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian on the matter”, MEA added.
The development comes right after External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar, given the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, called on the Iranian Foreign Minister Abdollahian on Monday, 15 April and raised the matter of the 17 Indian crew members on board the MSC Aries, an Israeli-affiliated container ship captured by Iran near the Strait of Hormuz last week.