New Delhi, Feb 5 (NationPress) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday that eight out of the sixteen Indian sailors detained in Iran have been freed and will be returning to India shortly after fulfilling the required formalities.

During a media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that Indian officials are actively communicating with Iranian authorities regarding the release of the remaining eight sailors and have pledged their complete support.

"We have had consular access. Our Consulate in Bandar Abbas has met with them. According to information from Iranian authorities, eight of the sailors have been released and will return home once their travel arrangements are finalized. For the remaining sailors, we are in continuous contact with Iranian officials and will do our best to assist them with any needs they may have," stated Jaiswal to reporters.

On January 17, the Indian Embassy in Tehran reported being informed about the detention of the vessel MT Valiant Roar, which had sixteen Indian crew members on board, by Iranian authorities in mid-December. The Indian consulate in Bandar Abbas has submitted multiple requests to Iranian authorities for consular access to the crew.

In a statement posted on X, the Indian Embassy in Tehran mentioned, "In mid-December 2025, we were informed about the detention of the vessel MT Valiant Roar by Iranian authorities, which had sixteen Indian crew members. The Indian Consulate in Bandar Abbas promptly contacted the Government of Iran on December 14 seeking consular access to the crew."

The embassy reiterated that the request for consular access has been made repeatedly through diplomatic correspondence and face-to-face meetings in both Bandar Abbas and Tehran, including at the ambassadorial level. Iranian authorities were also urged to facilitate communication between the crew and their families in India.

Furthermore, the Consulate reached out to the UAE-based company that owns the ship on December 15 and has maintained contact with the Iranian agents of the company to ensure adequate provisions of food, water, and fuel for the ship, as well as legal representation for the crew in Iranian courts.

According to the embassy's statement, "After being alerted by the ship about dwindling food and water supplies, our mission intervened with the Iranian navy to arrange emergency provisions in early January. The Indian Consulate in Dubai has also been active in urging the ship-owning company to provide legal representation and regular supplies to the ship."

"The situation is likely to undergo a judicial process in Iran. However, our mission and consulate continue to advocate with Iranian authorities to expedite consular access for the crew and hasten the judicial proceedings," the statement concluded.