India Seeks Release of Seafarers Stranded in Pakistan and Iran

The Ministry of External Affairs of India is managing two separate diplomatic efforts to recover stranded Indian seafarers in Pakistan and Iran. In Pakistan, the ministry issued a formal consular request to the government of Pakistan to assist six Indian sailors who have been stranded at Karachi Port for over six months.

Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal explained that the delay stems from a commercial employment and crewing dispute between the sailors and the ship's owner. Jaiswal noted that maritime regulations prevent crew members from disembarking until a replacement team arrives to take over the vessel. India is currently using diplomatic channels in Islamabad and coordinating with shipping operators to resolve the impasse.

Simultaneously, the ministry facilitated the repatriation of Akshay Harish, a seafarer from Kerala who was stranded at Chabahar Port in Iran. Harish had lost his passport and Continuous Discharge Certificate while aboard a merchant vessel, leaving him without travel documents for several weeks. Following intervention from the Indian Embassy in Tehran and the Consulate in Bandar Abbas, the government issued Harish an emergency travel certificate, allowing him to complete travel formalities and return home.