India Engages UK Authorities Over Arrest of Merchant Navy Captain Ajay Pant
NEW DELHI–India is working with British authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of Captain Ajay Pant, an Indian Merchant Navy officer detained in the United Kingdom on charges related to sanctions on Russian oil, the Ministry of External Affairs said Tuesday.
Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Indian officials have been in regular contact with Pant’s legal representatives and family, while the Indian High Commission in London has provided consular assistance and conducted multiple visits to assess his condition.
“We have been in touch with the lawyers of Captain Pant as well as his family. The High Commission has paid several visits to Captain Pant to check on his well-being. We have also facilitated the visit of his family members, his wife in particular,” Jaiswal said during a media briefing.
Pant, who is from Uttarakhand, has been in British custody since June, when British forces and the UK’s National Crime Agency reportedly intercepted the oil tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel. Pant was serving as the vessel’s captain at the time.
He faces charges involving alleged violations of sanctions imposed on Russian oil. The offenses carry a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
Of the 24 crew members aboard the tanker, Pant was the only individual charged. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Pant is currently being held at HMP Winchester, with his trial scheduled to begin December 15.
Jaiswal said Indian diplomatic officials have also coordinated with British authorities to facilitate family visits, including a recent visit by Pant’s wife, Ritu Pant.
“The last such visit by his wife took place on 9th of November. We have been in touch with the UK High Commission here as well as the UK Foreign Office in this particular matter. We are trying to do our best for his safety and well-being,” Jaiswal said.
Ritu Pant has maintained that her husband was unfairly targeted, describing him as a scapegoat who found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The Indian government said it remains engaged with British officials as Pant awaits trial, with consular assistance continuing through the Indian High Commission in London. (Source: IANS)
