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India is coordinating with British authorities over the arrest of Merchant Navy captain Ajay Pant in the United Kingdom, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirming that it is taking steps to safeguard his well-being.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Tuesday that India had contacted the UK High Commission in New Delhi and the UK Foreign Office.
The Indian High Commission in London has been providing consular assistance to Pant, who remains in judicial custody.
Jaiswal further said Indian officials have maintained contact with Pant’s lawyers and family members.
The High Commission has made several visits to the captain to check on his condition and facilitated family visits, particularly by his wife.
According to the spokesperson, Ritu Pant last met her husband on November 9.
India continues to coordinate with British officials and extend support to the captain.
Pant, a resident of Uttarakhand, was reportedly arrested in June after British forces and the UK’s National Crime Agency intercepted the oil tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel. Pant was commanding the vessel at the time.
UK authorities charged him with offences related to sanctions on Russian oil. The charges, however, carry a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
Pant was the only member of the 24-person crew to face charges and has denied wrongdoing. He is currently at HMP Winchester, with his trial expected to begin on December 15.
Pant’s wife, Ritu Pant, maintained that her husband faced wrongful blame after an unfortunate coincidence of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
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