India Steps Up Diplomatic Efforts For Captain Ajay Pant Held In UK Over Russian Oil Sanctions
India says it is stepping up diplomatic efforts to protect the safety and legal rights of Captain Ajay Pant, an Indian merchant navy officer held in UK judicial custody since June over alleged breaches of sanctions on Russian oil. The Ministry of External Affairs gave the update at a press briefing on Tuesday.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian High Commission in London has stayed in regular contact with British authorities, Pant’s lawyers and his family. The High Commission has made several visits to check on his well-being and has helped arrange family visits. His wife last met him on November 9.
The matter is also being discussed with the UK High Commission in India and the UK Foreign Office, Jaiswal said. Indian diplomats have taken the case to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, asking that Pant gets consular help without delay and that his health, safety and legal position are safeguarded. Jaiswal added that the government is doing all it can for Pant’s safety and well-being.
Pant is 38 and was the captain of the oil tanker Smyrtos when British forces intercepted the vessel in the English Channel on June 14. Royal Marines and National Crime Agency officers boarded the ship in what was reported as the first UK-led operation to seize a sanctioned vessel.
The agency charged him with directly or indirectly supplying or delivering prohibited Russian oil or oil products by ship to a third country. The charge falls under Regulation 46Z9B of the Russia (Sanctions) Regulations 2019 and carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. Pant is the only person charged among the 24 crew members who were on board. He denies any wrongdoing.
UK authorities describe the Smyrtos as a Russian shadow fleet tanker. Prosecutors argue that Pant was in effective charge of the ship. A UK court has since denied him bail after raising concerns that he could be a flight risk.
The case is due to go to trial on December 15.
The MEA called the case a legal matter in August while confirming a consular visit on June 24. His wife has described him as a scapegoat who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and his mother has asked the Indian government to help bring him home.
References: IANS, ANI, Rediff, WION, Irish News
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