Iran has released eight of the 16 Indian sailors detained last year after their vessel was seized by authorities there, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday, adding that efforts were on to secure the release of the remaining crew members.Addressing media queries today, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Indian officials had been granted consular access to all 16 sailors through the Consulate of India in Bandar Abbas. “Of these, eight people, as informed by the Iranian authorities, have been released and they will return home once the necessary travel formalities are completed,” he said.Jaiswal added that Indian authorities remained in close contact with Tehran regarding the remaining sailors. “We are in touch with the Iranian authorities and will see how best to support them,” he said.The sailors were detained after vessel MT Valiant Roar was seized by Iranian authorities in mid-December. Following the detention, the Indian mission was informed that 16 Indian crew members were on board.The consulate sought consular access on December 14 and had since raised the matter with Iranian authorities through diplomatic correspondence and in-person meetings in Bandar Abbas and Tehran, including at the level of the Indian Ambassador. Indian authorities had also pressed Iran to allow the detained crew to communicate with their families in India.The Indian mission has been actively engaged in ensuring the welfare of the crew, arranging for food, water and fuel supplies with assistance from the Iranian navy. The mission has also been coordinating with the UAE-based ship-owning company to ensure legal representation for the sailors and regular provision of essential supplies.According to officials, the consulate established contact with the ship-owning company on December 15 and had since remained in touch with the company’s Iran-based agents to press for legal support and logistical assistance. The consulate in Dubai had also been pursuing the matter with the ship-owning company.