New Delhi: An Indian national is reportedly among the crew members of a Russian-flagged oil tanker seized by US forces in the North Atlantic Ocean, raising concerns for his safety and prompting appeals for diplomatic intervention.
The Indian officer has been identified as Rikshit Chauhan (26), a Merchant Navy officer from Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh. His family has urged the Central government to intervene and ensure his safe return to India, submitting a representation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Seizure Comes Ahead of Wedding Plans
Chauhan was serving aboard the oil tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1, when the vessel was intercepted by US forces. The incident occurred just as he was preparing to return home for his wedding scheduled next month.
According to his family, Chauhan last spoke to them just hours before the tanker was seized on January 7. Since then, they have not received any further communication from him, heightening their anxiety over his well-being.
Family Seeks Government Intervention
Appealing for urgent action, Chauhan’s mother, Reeta Devi, called on Prime Minister Modi to personally intervene to secure her son’s safe release. The family has also sought the immediate involvement of the Ministry of External Affairs, urging Indian authorities to ascertain the legal status of the crew and ensure their safety.
At present, there is no official clarity on the condition of the crew members aboard the vessel or the legal proceedings surrounding the seizure.
Diplomatic Sensitivity
The incident comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between the United States and Russia, placing India’s diplomatic channels under additional strain due to the involvement of an Indian citizen. The country is now awaiting an official response from the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the steps being taken to address the situation.
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