The Indian Embassy in Tehran is actively engaged with Iranian authorities to secure consular access for 16 Indian seafarers detained since December 8, 2025. The crew members were onboard the vessel MT Valiant Roar, which was intercepted by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in international waters near Dibba port off the UAE coast. Iranian authorities have accused the vessel of smuggling 6,000 metric tonnes of fuel, including very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) or diesel. Following the detention, the Consulate of India in Bandar Abbas formally requested consular access on December 14, 2025. Despite repeated diplomatic requests and in-person meetings, including at the ambassadorial level, consular access has not yet been granted. The Indian government has also urged Iranian authorities to allow the detained crew members to communicate with their families in India. The Embassy confirmed that the matter is now subject to the judicial process in Iran. In response to appeals from distressed families, including those of Ketan Mehta from Ghaziabad and Anil Singh from Pratapgarh, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian missions are working to ensure the welfare of the crew. This includes pressing the UAE-based ship-owning company, Glory International FZ LLC / Prime Tankers LLC, to arrange legal representation and provide essential supplies like food, water, and fuel. Emergency supplies were reportedly arranged with the help of the Iranian Navy in early January when stocks depleted. The broader context of India-Iran relations also includes ongoing discussions with the US regarding an expiring sanctions waiver for operations at the Chabahar Port, a strategically important project for India. Meanwhile, India has issued advisories urging its nationals to avoid travel to Iran and those currently in the country to consider leaving amidst the evolving situation.