India’s Embassy and Consulate in Iran have expressed concern regarding the lack of consular access to the crew of the Valiant Roar, a tanker seized a month ago on smuggling allegations. Their public statement followed appeals from the families of the 16 Indian crew members to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The tanker, alongside others, was detained as part of Iran’s crackdown on fuel smuggling.
The Valiant Roar was stopped in mid-December due to claims of smuggling six million liters of diesel fuel and lacking valid maritime documentation. Indian authorities have sought consular access since December 14, with written and personal requests reportedly ignored. Iran also confiscated crew members’ phones and electronics, complicating communication with their families.
In response to reports of dwindling supplies on board, Indian authorities urged the Iranian Navy to provide emergency provisions. The vessel, owned by a Dubai-based company, has prompted the Embassy to coordinate with agents in Iran to ensure basic necessities and seek legal representation for the crew. In the past, Iran has handed out severe penalties to officers of seized vessels, raising concerns about the crew’s judicial treatment.
