Indian High Commission in London Monitors Merchant Marine Captain Ajay Pant Case: State Govt

PHOTO: An aerial view shows an oil tanker named Boracay (also called Pushpa), a vessel investigated by French authorities and suspected of being part of a so-called “shadow fleet” involved in the Russian oil trade, off the coast of the western French port of Saint-Nazaire, France, October 2, 2025. REUTERS/Stelephane | Photo credit: STEPHANE MAHE

The Indian High Commission in London is looking into the case of Captain Ajay Pant, a merchant marine officer from Uttarakhand’s Nainital, who was arrested in the United Kingdom for allegedly violating British sanctions on Russian oil supplies, state government officials said on Thursday (June 25, 2026).

According to an official report, the High Commission has conveyed this development to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami through a letter.

The High Commission said Captain Pant is currently in judicial custody at HMP Winchester. Officials of the diplomatic mission made contact with him on June 19 through the prison telephone system. During the interview, Captain Pant said that he is in good health, uses medical facilities at the prison and remains in regular contact with his wife.

The High Commission appealed to the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to ensure timely consular access and ensure Captain Pant’s safety, health and rights.

The letter stated that the mission is in constant communication with Captain Pant’s wife, his legal representatives and his employer, Energios Maritime Private Limited. The employer has assured the High Commission that it will provide legal assistance to Captain Pant and the necessary support to his family.

Captain Pant is scheduled to appear for the next hearing on July 16. The High Commission assured the Chief Minister that consular assistance and support would continue to be provided to Xaptain and his family.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the state government is sensitive to the interests of its citizens and is in constant touch with the Union government, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian High Commission.

He expressed confidence that all agencies involved are working together to provide the necessary assistance to Captain Pant.

Captain Pant, 38, was the captain of the MV Smyrtoz, a Russian Shadow Fleet tanker said to be carrying 98,000 tonnes of oil, which was seized in the English Channel on June 14 during a joint operation by Britain’s National Crime Agency and British armed forces.

Published – 26 Jun 2026 01:28 IST