India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) sources have learnt that there are 17 Indian nationals onboard cargo ship ‘MSC Aries’ has been taken control by Iran. India is in touch with the Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels, both in Tehran and in Delhi, to ensure security, welfare and early release of Indian nationals, the sources added. The conflict has intensified in West Asia after suspected Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s consulate in Syria`s capital Damascus and Tehran’s warning of retaliation.  A map showed the path of an Israeli-linked cargo ship, the MSC Aries, that had been seized between the United Arab Emirates and Iran, in the Persian Gulf, situated close to the Strait of Hormuz, on Saturday (April 13). The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) posted a warning on social media after having received a report on the vessel and said it had been “seized by regional authorities”. This after Iran warned earlier this week that it could close the Strait of Hormuz if necessary. The Aries is leased by international shipping line MSC from Gortal Shipping, an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime, Zodiac said in a statement, adding that MSC is responsible for all vessel activities. Zodiac is partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer.

India’s External Affairs Ministry has finally reacted to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Pakistan. Deadly airstrikes were carried out by Iran on terror outfit’s headquarters in Pakistan’s Balochistan. Pakistan claimed that two children lost their lives, two sustained serious injuries in the airstrikes by Iran. India took a pro-Iranian stance and emphasised ‘actions countries take for self-defense’. Pakistan condemned Iran’s actions and termed the attack as an “unprovoked violation” of its airspace. In 2019, India carried out airstrikes in Balakot in retaliation to the suicide attack by Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group in Pulwama.