India is facing the unintended consequence of Iran's tiff with the UK as New Delhi tries for early release of its citizens from the seized UK oil tanker Stena Impero. India has 18 of its citizens on the tanker along with nationalities of other countries as well.  

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The Ministry of external affairs in a statement said,  "Our Mission is in touch with the Government of Iran to secure the early release and repatriation of Indian nationals."

The tanker was seized by Iranian authorities on Friday for "failing to respect international maritime rules", the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or IRGC said in a statement.

A British high commission spokesperson, reacting to WION question on the safety of Indians on the seized tanker said, "We remain deeply concerned about Iran's actions, and have advised UK shipping to stay out of the area for an interim period. "

Adding, “We remain in close contact with our international partners and there will be further meetings over the weekend."

The British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt spoke to the Iranian Foreign minister Javad Zarif & "expressed extreme disappointment" on the seizing of the tanker.  Indians were also present on Iranian ship seized by the UK off the coast of Gibraltar. The Indian authorities have been given consular access for them, with MEA saying "due process of law will continue."

It alleged by authorities in Gibraltar that the Iranian oil tanker Grace 1 was headed to Syria with oil that would have violated sanctions, a charge that Tehran denies. Gibraltar is a British Territory in Europe, surrounded by Spain.