Indian authorities barred 21 Pakistani crew members of a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) from disembarking at the Paradip Port in the state of Odisha, India. Indian media and local police cited security reasons behind the decision, which is a reflection of the recently heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
The VLCC in question, the Siren II, arrived at the Indian port of Paradip on 14th May, and security at the port was soon tightened. The vessel is loaded with 197,000 tons of crude oil, which is destined for the Indian Oil Corporation’s Punjab refinery.
The crew of the vessel comprises 21 Pakistanis, two Indians, and two Thai nationals. Immigration officials at the port did not allow the Pakistani nationals aboard the vessel to disembark, stating that it was a precautionary measure, while the other four sailors did not face any such restrictions.
As of 16th May, the Siren II is still at the Paradip Port in India.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have arisen since a tragic terrorist attack in Kashmir, which India has accused Pakistan of backing. While Pakistan has denied the allegations, missile fire has been exchanged across the border shared by the two countries, and bilateral exports and imports have ceased.
