New Delhi

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday rejected as “baseless” reports claiming that Iran had demanded the return of three vessels seized by India in exchange for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing in the national capital, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said no such discussions had taken place between the two countries.

“This report is baseless. There has been no discussion between Indian and Iranian authorities of this nature. I would also like to say that in any case, the three vessels that you referred to are not Iranian-owned, neither are there any Iranian crew on these vessels,” Jaiswal said.

He clarified that the vessels in question were not tankers, countering claims made in some reports.

Jaiswal added that India remains engaged in discussions with Iran and other countries to ensure the safe return of ships currently in the region.

“We are in talks with Iran and other countries… many ships are still there in the Strait of Hormuz area. It is our intention to work with Iran and other countries to bring those ships back home safely. Discussions are ongoing on this issue,” he said.

Reiterating India’s stance on the ongoing tensions in West Asia, the MEA stressed the need for dialogue and de-escalation.

“From the very beginning, it has been our position that a dialogue path should be established… We call on all countries to exercise restraint and prevent the conflict from escalating,” Jaiswal said.

The spokesperson also highlighted India’s long-standing position on reforming the United Nations, calling for urgent structural changes to make global governance more effective.

On the role of BRICS, Jaiswal noted that differing positions among member countries—some of whom are directly involved in the conflict—have made it difficult to arrive at a consensus, though India, as current chair, continues diplomatic engagement with all stakeholders.

He added that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had discussed the West Asia situation with European counterparts during his recent visit to Brussels on the sidelines of a Foreign Affairs Council meeting.

Meanwhile, Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf) at the MEA, confirmed that the mortal remains of two Indian nationals who died in an incident in Sohar, Oman, were received by their families in Jaipur.

He said Indian missions are closely coordinating with authorities in Oman, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates to repatriate the remains of other deceased nationals and assist those affected.

Mahajan also noted that 15 Indian crew members from the vessel Safesea Vishnu, involved in an incident off Basra, Iraq, have been safely evacuated and are awaiting return to India.

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According to the MEA, five Indian nationals have lost their lives in separate incidents linked to the regional tensions, while one person remains missing. Indian missions in the region continue efforts to ensure the safe return of affected citizens and provide necessary assistance.