The Government of India has welcomed the safe release of Anilkumar Raveendran, an Indian crew member detained in Yemen since early July. Raveendran, who was aboard the Liberia-flagged cargo vessel MV Eternity C, arrived in Muscat, Oman, on Tuesday and is expected to return to India shortly.
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman for facilitating his release. "We thank the Sultanate of Oman for their invaluable assistance in ensuring the safe passage of Mr. Raveendran. The Indian government has been closely coordinating with various parties to secure his release and return," the MEA said.
Raveendran, a former army personnel from Pathiyoor, was among the crew members who went missing after the MV Eternity C came under a Houthi missile attack in the Red Sea in early July. The incident, part of ongoing regional tensions affecting maritime security, led to the detention of the vessel's crew in Yemen.
For nearly five months, Raveendran’s family endured anxious uncertainty about his fate. During his detention, he managed to contact his family briefly to inform them he was safe—a communication that provided crucial, if temporary, relief to his loved ones.
Indian authorities worked persistently through diplomatic channels and regional partnerships to secure his freedom. The successful resolution marks the end of a tense period of negotiation and coordination between Indian diplomats, regional partners, and relevant parties in Yemen.
The release underscores India’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad, particularly in regions experiencing instability. The government’s coordinated approach involved multiple stakeholders and demonstrates the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement in resolving such crises.
With Raveendran now in Muscat, final arrangements are being made for his return to India, where he will be reunited with his family after a nearly five-month ordeal. His case highlights the ongoing risks faced by maritime crews in conflict-affected waters and the critical role of international cooperation in ensuring their safety.
The Indian government continues to monitor the situation of other nationals in similar circumstances and remains engaged in efforts to protect Indian citizens globally.
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