India Secures Release of 10 Indian Seafarers Detained in Iran After Nearly a Year

The sailors were part of the crew aboard the oil products tanker MV Harbour Phoenix, which was intercepted near Jask Port in July 2025. Following the interception, the 10 Indian nationals were detained, arrested, and subsequently imprisoned in Iran.

Iran has frequently intercepted vessels it suspected of transporting fuel illegally into the Gulf region, a practice that continued even prior to the recent regional conflict. The MV Harbour Phoenix, as listed on multiple ship-tracking platforms, is a Palau-flagged oil products tanker.

Successful Release of 10 Indian Seafarers in MV Harbour Phoenix Case

The Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India, is pleased to announce the successful release of all 10 Indian seafarers associated with MV Harbour Phoenix, who were detained, arrested and imprisoned… pic.twitter.com/EzrEe81KXh

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— Directorate General of Shipping, Govt. of India (@dgshipping_IN) May 26, 2026

India’s Directorate General of Shipping confirmed that the seafarers have now been released and safely reunited with their families following what it described as sustained diplomatic engagement and coordinated efforts. The statement did not disclose details regarding the negotiations or the specific grounds on which the sailors were arrested.

Throughout the period of detention, India maintained a restrained public posture, pursuing diplomatic channels while issuing minimal public commentary on the case. Authorities refrained from providing further operational details regarding the incident or the ongoing discussions with Iranian officials.

India and Iran share longstanding diplomatic relations, which New Delhi continues to balance alongside its strategic partnerships with other global powers, including the United States, particularly in the context of evolving geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The release marks the conclusion of a prolonged diplomatic effort and underscores the sensitive nature of maritime security issues in the region, where shipping routes remain closely monitored and occasionally contested.