After seizing Indian ship,Iran wants its own back

The Indian government’s view is that Diyanat’s detention is due to an ongoing commercial dispute,which has no link with the Desh Shanti incident.

While Iran has taken up the issue many times in the past 18 months,it is for the first time that the country has reiterated its demand since Desh Shanti was detained on August 12.

Sources in Iran said the Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia-Pacific Affairs,Seyed Abbas Araqchi,expressed a “deep concern” over the seizure of ship,and asked for the immediate release of its crew. He also asked the Indian envoy to inform him of the measures taken by New Delhi.

Indian government sources said Diyanat is operated by the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL),which is under sanctions from the UN,US and EU. As a result,there has been a payment-related dispute between the IRISL and a Singapore-based firm,and the Indian port authorities had to detain the Iranian ship early last year. “The detention of the ship was done under the IMO laws as the ship was facing something like a ‘red-corner notice’,” said a source. But they said that Iranian crew members have been allowed to swap places with their counterparts from their country at regular intervals.

Iranian authorities said its nine crew members have been held for unknown and ambiguous reasons in Mundra port for more than 18 months. They have not been allowed to leave the vessel,which is causing them psychological problems.

Regarding Desh Shanti,Indian sources said the stalemate is still on. Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh has formally lodged protests with the Iranian ambassador,Gholam Reza Ansari,twice in the past 17 days,and the Indian ambassador has taken it up with Tehran at least three-four times.

New Delhi had hoped that “quiet diplomacy” would work,but has now toughened its stance.