A Pakistani crew member aboard the Iraqi cargo vessel MT R Ocean was denied entry into India after the ship docked at Karnataka’s Karwar Port on May 12, the Indian Coast Guard reported. The vessel, transporting bitumen from Iraq, had 17 crew members onboard, including 14 Indians, two Syrians, and one Pakistani. The ship’s captain, also Indian, complied with strict directives from authorities in light of the ongoing diplomatic strain between India and Pakistan.
Police Inspector Nischal Kumar had issued instructions that both Pakistani and Syrian nationals were not to disembark due to worsening bilateral relations. “As per the Police instructions, their mobile phones were seized by the captain,” authorities added. After offloading its cargo, the ship returned to Iraq.
This development follows the Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 people were killed, prompting India to initiate Operation Sindoor against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In response, India has banned Pakistani nationals from entering the country and revoked their visas.
During a visit to Srinagar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed troops at Badami Bagh Cantt following the operation. “Our forces have shown the world that their aim is precise and pinpoint, and the task of counting is left to the enemies,” he stated.
He further questioned Pakistan’s handling of its nuclear arsenal, saying, “Are nuclear weapons safe in the hands of such an irresponsible and rogue nation? Pakistan’s nuclear weapons should be taken under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).”
Commending Indian forces, Singh added, “I come here today with a message from the people of India: ‘We are proud of our Forces’.”
