On April 13, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard seized the container vessel MSC Aries in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel, affiliated with Israel, was en route from the United Arab Emirates to India. Official sources confirm 25 crew members, including 17 Indians, were onboard at the time of seizure.
India’s Response:
- Indian authorities are actively engaged with Iranian officials through diplomatic channels to ensure the security, welfare, and prompt release of the Indian nationals onboard.
- Efforts are coordinated both in Tehran and Delhi to address the situation.
Escalation and Context:
- The incident marks a significant escalation in tensions in the region.
- Recent months have witnessed heightened tensions, particularly in the aftermath of the Israel offensive in Gaza.
- Houthi rebels in Yemen have targeted Israeli-linked commercial ships in response to the Gaza conflict.
International Response:
- Israel and the U.S. have been preparing for potential retaliatory actions against Iran or its proxies following an Israeli airstrike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus.
- The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations agency confirmed the seizure of the vessel off the coast of Fujairah, UAE.
Ownership and Consequences:
- MSC Aries is owned by Zodiac Maritime, led by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, and chartered to Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
- Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Israel Katz, condemned the seizure as a violation of international law and called for sanctions against Iran.
- Iran claims the vessel’s seizure due to alleged Israeli ownership.
Additional Maritime Concerns:
- Somali pirates have increased activity in the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa.
- The Indian Navy has deployed significant resources to counter piracy threats, including operation Sankalp, involving over 5000 personnel, 21 ships, and maritime surveillance aircraft.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- When was the container vessel MSC Aries seized by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard?
- A) April 12
- B) April 13
- C) April 14
- D) April 15
- Answer: B) April 13
- How many Indian nationals were onboard the MSC Aries at the time of seizure?
- A) 10
- B) 15
- C) 17
- D) 20
- Answer: C) 17
- What action has Israel called for in response to the vessel’s seizure?
- A) Economic sanctions against Iran
- B) Diplomatic negotiations with Iran
- C) Recognizing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization
- D) Providing military support to the vessel
- Answer: C) Recognizing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization
- What operation has the Indian Navy undertaken to counter piracy threats?
- A) Operation Trident
- B) Operation Neptune
- C) Operation Sankalp
- D) Operation Vigilant
- Answer: C) Operation Sankalp