Indian Army Veteran Released After 5 Months in Houthi Captivity: Complete Timeline and Diplomatic Efforts

The Indian government announced on Thursday the successful release of Anilkumar Raveendran, a former Indian Army soldier from Kerala who had been held captive by Houthi rebels in Yemen for nearly five months.

Raveendran, 52, who hails from Pathiyoor in Kayamkulam, arrived in Muscat, Oman on Wednesday and is expected to return to India soon, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The Army veteran was working as a security officer aboard the Liberian-flagged vessel MV Eternity C when it was attacked and subsequently sunk in the Red Sea. He had been in detention under the Houthi-controlled administration since July 7.

In its official statement, the MEA said: "Government of India welcomes the release of Indian crew member Mr Anilkumar Raveendran, who was on the ship MV Eternity C and under detention in Yemen since 07 July 2025."

The ministry further noted that the Indian government had been actively coordinating with various parties to secure Raveendran's safe release and return. They also expressed gratitude to Oman for their assistance in facilitating his release.

The MV Eternity C was targeted by Houthi militants while en route to the Israeli port of Eilat, as part of the rebels' intensified attacks on international shipping amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. The vessel, which had crew members from India, the Philippines, Russia, and Greece, was seized before being destroyed.

During the attack, four crew members lost their lives. Six others, including Augustin from Parassala in Thiruvananthapuram, were rescued by the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) and repatriated within a week of the incident.

However, Raveendran was among 11 crew members who remained in Houthi captivity until his recent release.

Before joining the shipping company five years ago through the Palakkad-based Ocean Group Overseas Consultancy, Raveendran had served honorably in the Indian Army for 19 years.