India coordinates with Russia over detained Unity oil tanker crew

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is coordinating with the Russian Embassy regarding the welfare and repatriation of Russian crew members aboard the Unity oil tanker. The Cameroon-flagged vessel has been detained near Paradip Port in Odisha since May following an order from the Odisha High Court.

The detention stems from a commercial dispute involving alleged unpaid bunker fuel dues. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) have recorded the situation as an abandonment case. Reports indicate that the crew's employment contracts have expired and substantial wage arrears remain outstanding. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that India is taking due action to facilitate the repatriation of the seafarers.