Rikshit Chauhan, a 26‑year‑old merchant navy officer from Palampur in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, has become the centre of a diplomatic and personal crisis after being detained on board a Russian‑flagged oil tanker seized by United States authorities in the North Atlantic Ocean. His family and local leaders are now appealing to the Indian government for urgent diplomatic intervention to secure his safe return, especially as his wedding is scheduled for February 19, 2026. 

Early Life and Background

Chauhan grew up in Ward Number 7 of Palampur, where he lived with his family before joining the merchant navy. Known locally as a bright and ambitious youth, he joined the merchant navy on August 1, 2025, embarking on what was to be his first major sea assignment. His father, Ranjit Singh Chauhan, told reporters that Rikshit had been working with a Russian company for roughly a year and was sent on overseas duty to work on a tanker mission linked to oil transportation from Venezuela. 

Assignment Aboard the Russian Tanker

Chauhan was one of three Indian nationals aboard the Russian‑flagged oil tanker Marinera, which was earlier known as Bella 1. The vessel was operating under a private charter, reportedly tasked with transporting crude oil in a voyage associated with fuel shipments from Venezuela. As part of the crew, Chauhan wasn’t engaged in any combat or military activity; his role was as a merchant navy officer responsible for commercial and nautical duties on the tanker. 

The tanker, with a crew of **28 members — including three Indians, 20 Ukrainians, six Georgians and two Russians — was intercepted by the United States Coast Guard on January 7, 2026, in a high‑profile maritime operation. The interception occurred in the North Atlantic after a prolonged pursuit from the Caribbean Sea, amid allegations from the US that the vessel was linked to sanctions‑related oil shipments. 

Last Contact With Family

Chauhan’s family last heard from him on January 7, just hours before the tanker was boarded by US forces. His parents said that in that final call, Rikshit told them there might be connectivity issues, and asked them not to worry — signalling his awareness of a complex situation unfolding at sea. Since then, the family has had no direct communication or official update on his condition or whereabouts. 

Ranjit Singh Chauhan described the emotional strain on the family, noting that he used to speak to his son daily, sometimes up to three times a day, which made the sudden silence particularly painful. 

Personal Circumstances and Family Appeals

Rikshit was due to return home to India in mid‑February, just ahead of his planned wedding on February 19, 2026. His mother, Reeta Devi, has publicly appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to ensure his safe return before that date, expressing the family’s fear that he might remain detained indefinitely if diplomatic channels are not activated swiftly. 

The family’s appeal has also reached local political representatives. Palampur MLA Ashish Butail has acknowledged the situation and said the state government has taken up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs to intensify diplomatic efforts for his safe return and that of the two other Indian crew members on the tanker. 

The Tanker Seizure and International Context

The Marinera, previously Bella 1, was seized by the United States Coast Guard and military forces amid heightened enforcement of sanctions and restrictions aimed at oil shipments linked to Venezuela and Russia. The US claims the vessel was part of a “shadow fleet” operating to evade sanctions, which led to a maritime pursuit and eventual interception in international waters. This action has drawn sharp responses from Russia, which condemned the seizure as a violation of international law and has called for the humane treatment and repatriation of the tanker’s crew. 

All crew members, including Chauhan, are reportedly being held by US authorities pending further legal and investigation procedures, although details of their detention conditions have not been officially disclosed. Some reports suggest that the case could involve complex legal questions about sanctions enforcement, maritime law and diplomatic negotiation. 

Diplomatic Efforts and Ongoing Uncertainty

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that it is closely monitoring developments and is in the process of ascertaining details of the Indian nationals aboard the tanker. New Delhi has not yet publicly outlined any official stance or negotiations with US authorities, but diplomatic engagement is expected given the seriousness of the situation and the appeals from families. 

For the Chauhan family, the priority remains simple yet profound: they want their son back home safely and in time for his wedding. They continue to maintain hope that active diplomatic support will lead to a positive resolution in what has become a geopolitically sensitive incident with deep personal stakes for the young merchant navy officer and his loved ones. 

In the coming days, developments in the case — including any official statements from the Indian government, actions by the US judiciary or negotiations between New Delhi and Washington — will be closely followed by both national and international media outlets.