India frees 10 sailors detained in Iran since 2025

After months of diplomatic efforts, India has secured the release of 10 sailors who had been detained in Iran since July 2025 following the interception of their vessel near Jask Port.

The Directorate General of Shipping confirmed late Tuesday that the Indian crew members aboard the MV Harbour Phoenix had been freed after what it described as “sustained diplomatic engagement”. The authority said the sailors had been “detained, arrested and imprisoned in Iran following the vessel’s interception near Jask Port in July 2025”.

“The seafarers have now been released and reunited safely,” the statement said.

Officials added that “necessary arrangements are being coordinated for the earliest return of the crew members to India.”

Quiet diplomacy by New Delhi

Throughout the detention period, New Delhi avoided public confrontation and relied largely on discreet diplomatic channels to negotiate the sailors’ release.

Authorities did not provide additional information about the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s interception or the allegations linked to the case. Maritime tracking platforms identify the MV Harbour Phoenix as a Palau-flagged oil products tanker.

India maintains deep energy and diplomatic ties with
Iran, while simultaneously balancing strategic relations with both the United States and Israel.

Strait of Hormuz remains under strain

The release comes against the backdrop of rising instability in Gulf shipping routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global energy trade.

Iranian authorities have repeatedly intercepted vessels in Gulf waters, accusing some ships of transporting fuel illegally.

Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has remained under pressure since the United States and Israel launched attacks on February 28. Iran later imposed restrictions across the route, which typically carries about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments.

The disruption has significant implications for India, which relies heavily on Gulf energy supplies. India, the world’s third-largest oil buyer, generally imports around half of its crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz.

Indian nationals also form a major part of the global merchant navy workforce, with thousands of sailors operating across key shipping lanes in the Gulf region.