India intensifies efforts for early release of 18 nationals on board Iran-seized UK tanker

The Ministry of External Affairs assured that the Indian government is working to ensure the early release and repatriation of 18 Indians on board the British-flagged tanker, which was detained by Iran on Friday last.

New Delhi: Indian government has intensified its efforts for the early release of 18 nationals in Iran's custody aboard British oil tanker seized by Iran's revolutionary guard from Strait of Hormuz on Friday last week.

On Tuesday, the Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan met Iran's ambassador to India Dr Ali Chegeni in New Delhi. Similarly, India's ambassador to Tehran Gaddam Dharmendra met Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs Javad Zarif.

MoS Muraleedharan has stated on his Twitter handle that both meetings ended on a positive note.

In total 42 Indian nationals are the victims of the diplomatic crossfire between Iran and the UK.

On July 4, British marines along with Gibraltar seized the Iranian oil tanker Grace 1 carrying 24 Indians. To which, Tehran responded by seizing Stena Impero.