Who is Rikshit Chauhan? Himachal merchant navy officer aboard Russian tanker seized by US over Venezuela links

Rikshit Chauhan, a 26-year-old merchant navy officer from Palampur in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, is among the three Indian nationals who were on board a Russian-flagged oil tanker seized by United States authorities in the North Atlantic earlier this month.

The vessel, reportedly named Bella 1 (also referred to as Marinera in some records), was intercepted on January 7 following allegations that it had links to Venezuela, a nation under US sanctions. Officials stated that the tanker was chartered by a private trader and had allegedly evaded US monitoring for nearly two weeks before being seized.

Family awaiting contact

Chauhan’s family in Palampur said they last spoke to him on the day the tanker was boarded. Since then, there has been no direct communication.

According to relatives, Chauhan has been working in the merchant navy for the past three years and has been employed by a Russian company for nearly two years. He reportedly left India in August last year, travelling via Iran, before the tanker began its journey towards Venezuela in November.  

“He used to call us regularly, sometimes multiple times a day. The silence is worrying,” a family member said, adding that no official communication has yet reached them. 

Details of the seized vessel

US authorities said the tanker was tracked from the Caribbean Sea before being intercepted in the North Atlantic. The crew reportedly included 28 members — citizens from Georgia, Ukraine, India, and Russia.

The seizure comes amid heightened enforcement of maritime sanctions related to oil trade involving Venezuela, with US agencies tightening surveillance on vessels suspected of sanction violations.

Appeal for diplomatic intervention

Chauhan’s mother has appealed to the Indian government to ensure her son’s safe return, noting that his wedding is scheduled for next month. The family has also approached local representatives, who confirmed that the matter has been raised with the Ministry of External Affairs for diplomatic follow-up.

State officials said efforts are underway to gather details and coordinate with central authorities to secure the release and safe return of the Indian crew members.

Why the case matters

The incident highlights the growing risks faced by Indian seafarers working on international routes amid tightening global sanctions and geopolitical tensions involving energy trade.