NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Friday said that India has asked for consular access to ten Indian nationals taken into custody in Iran.”Ten people have been taken into custody. We have asked for consular access for Indian nationals in Iran custody,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (January 16, 2026)It came after reports of 16 Indian crew members of the vessel MT Valiant Roar being taken into custody by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), following which the family of Third Engineer Ketan Mehta appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and help rescue their son. The MT Valiant Roar was intercepted by the IRGC on December 8, 2025, in international waters near the UAE’s Dibba Port. Iranian authorities have accused the vessel of smuggling 6,000 metric tonnes of fuel.Election ResultsMaharashtra Election Results: Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP dominates urban centres, Mahayuti leads across corporations as counting of votes continuesPCMC Election Results 2026: Pawars fail to deliver in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune; BJP takes major leadPune PMC Election Results 2026: Counting begins; stakes high after 9-year gapOn the Iran unrest which has left thousands dead, MEA said: “The external affairs minister did have a conversation with the Iranian foreign minister. The Iranian foreign minister shared with him the developments that have happened in the recent past.”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPiyush Goyal Says Startup India Generated Over 21 Lakh Jobs, Credits PM ModiMinority Under Fire Hindu Teacher Home Burnt In Bangladesh Sparks India Concern Ahead Of PollsIndia Named Global Growth Engine By IMF, BJP Says Global Data Exposes Rahul Gandhi’s ClaimErasable Ink Controversy In BMC Elections, SEC Steps In And Orders ProbeEAM Jaishankar Flags Economic Security As Top Priority, Pushes India-Japan De Risking StrategyIndia Blasts Pakistan At United Nations For Pushing Divisive Kashmir Agenda And Spreading FalsehoodsPakistan Continues To Ignore India’s Warning As Drones Return To Valley, Third Incident In Five Days’Adi Shankaracharya Unified India Through Ideas’, Says Amit Shah At Ahmedabad Granthavali LaunchUS Lawmakers Name India As Strategic Partner, Dismiss Pakistan As Ally And Flag China As Top ThreatShaksgam Standoff Triangle: Pakistan Backs China’s Claim, Alleges India Illegally Occupying Ladakh123PhotostoriesKaran Johar, Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Leone: Bollywood celebrities who welcomed parenthood with twinsSidharth Malhotra birthday special: 5 unforgettable pictures with Kiara Advani that showcase their fairytale romanceThe negotiations every child tries at least once with their parents11 vegetarian kebabs for evening snacking during winter monthsBMC Elections 2026: BJP-Shiv Sena alliance on top, Mumbai set for a new mayor after 4 year delayBengal Vice: Congress crushed between Mamata and BJPFrom a massive living room to fancy decor: Bigg Boss 19 fame Pranit More’s lavish house tour10 extraordinary Starfish that redefine ocean beautyFIFA World Cup 2026: Which countries are hosting it? All host cities, dates and how to book ticketsHow to make Paneer Kofta for lunch at home123Hot PicksMaharashtra Election ResultsBudget 2026Gold rate todayBank holiday todayBMC Election ResultsPublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingMLB Trade RumorsKDMC Election ResultPAK vs ENG Live ScoreJack EichelMira Bhayandar Election ResultPuka Nacuas BrotherMarvel Rivals Season 6 Release DateJohn wolfords net worthDelhi Digital ArrestDelhi Rape and Murder Case
NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Friday said that India has asked for consular access to ten Indian nationals taken into custody in Iran.“Ten people have been taken into custody. We have asked for consular access for Indian nationals in Iran custody,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
It came after reports of 16 Indian crew members of the vessel MT Valiant Roar being taken into custody by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), following which the family of Third Engineer Ketan Mehta appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and help rescue their son. The MT Valiant Roar was intercepted by the IRGC on December 8, 2025, in international waters near the UAE’s Dibba Port. Iranian authorities have accused the vessel of smuggling 6,000 metric tonnes of fuel.On the Iran unrest which has left thousands dead, MEA said: “The external affairs minister did have a conversation with the Iranian foreign minister. The Iranian foreign minister shared with him the developments that have happened in the recent past.”