UK arrests Indian merchant navy captain over Russian crude shipment, breaching law

Dehradun,UPDATED: Jun 26, 2026 09:36 IST

The Indian High Commission in London is monitoring the case of Captain Ajay Pant, a merchant navy officer from Uttarakhand who has been arrested in the United Kingdom over an alleged breach of British sanctions on Russian oil shipments, state government officials said on Thursday.

According to an official release, the High Commission conveyed the update to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in a letter. The mission said Captain Pant is in judicial custody at HMP Winchester and that it is taking up the matter with the UK authorities.

Officials from the diplomatic mission contacted Captain Pant on June 19 through the prison telephone system. During the conversation, he said he was in good health, was receiving medical facilities in prison and was in regular touch with his wife.

The High Commission has raised the matter with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to secure timely consular access and to ensure his safety, health and rights.

The letter said the mission is in constant contact 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 necessary support to his family. Captain Pant is scheduled to appear for his next hearing on July 16. The High Commission also assured the chief minister that consular assistance and support would continue for him and his family.

Chief Minister Dhami said 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 concerned agencies were working in coordination to provide necessary assistance to Captain Pant. Pant, 38, was the captain of MV Smyrtoz, a Russian shadow fleet tanker reportedly carrying 98,000 tonnes of crude, which was intercepted in the English Channel on June 14 during a joint operation by the UK National Crime Agency and the British Armed Forces.

The case concerns Captain Pant's arrest in the UK, the Indian High Commission's efforts to secure consular access and support, and the next court hearing scheduled for July 16.

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