Pakistani national aboard Iraqi cargo vessel denied entry into India, phone seized

NEW DELHI: A Pakistani national travelling aboard an Iraqi cargo vessel was denied permission to disembark at Karwar Port in Karnataka, as Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Coastal Security Police enforced strict security protocols due to ongoing tensions with Pakistan.


The vessel, MT R Ocean, arrived at Karwar on May 12 carrying a shipment of bitumen from Iraq. The ship’s crew comprised 17 people: 14 Indians, two Syrians, and one Pakistani national. The ship’s captain, an Indian national, had received prior instructions regarding the disembarkation of foreign nationals.

“In view of the deteriorating relations between Pakistan and India, Pakistani and Syrian nationals were instructed not to disembark from the ship,” said police inspector Nischal Kumar, as quoted by news agency ANI.

As part of the precautionary measures, the captain seized the mobile phones of the Pakistani and Syrian crew members, ensuring no communication or movement occurred during the vessel’s stay.

After unloading its cargo of bitumen, MT R Ocean departed for its return journey to Iraq without any of the restricted crew members setting foot on Indian soil.

Just two days ago, security agencies refused to allow 21 Pakistani crew members aboard a crude oil tanker to disembark shortly after it anchored near Paradip port Wednesday.

The Hong Kong-flagged “MT Siren II”, carrying 196,580 MT of unrefined oil, is anchored at the single point mooring (SPM) berth approximately 20km offshore from Paradip port. The cargo is destined for the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd refinery in Paradip.

(With agency inputs)