New Delhi: The Indian Government has approached Pakistan for consular assistance after an Indian merchant navy officer and five other crew members reportedly remained stranded aboard a vessel at Karachi port for several months.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that a consular request had been made to the Pakistani authorities and that efforts were underway to resolve the situation. The government is also in contact with the stranded crew members, their shipping company and its local agent to facilitate their return.
The issue came to light after the families of the Indian seafarer began appealing to authorities for assistance, seeking their safe return home after months of uncertainty.
The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that the situation primarily involves a commercial dispute between the vessel’s owner and its employees. The crew members cannot simply leave the ship without a replacement team arriving to take over their responsibilities.
According to the government, arrangements for replacement crew members are therefore necessary before those currently onboard can be relieved from duty and allowed to return home.
India has maintained communication with the affected seafarers and their employer while coordinating with the relevant Pakistani authorities through consular channels.
The government has indicated that it is working towards resolving the matter, although the final arrangements depend partly on the shipping company’s obligations towards its employees.
The prolonged situation has raised concerns among the families of the stranded crew members, who have been waiting for their return for several months. India’s diplomatic engagement is now focused on facilitating the necessary arrangements and ensuring that the seafarers can safely return to the country.
