New Delhi, Nov. 13 -- India has made a formal consular request to Pakistan and is actively engaging with shipping operators to resolve the plight of six Indian seafarers stranded aboard a vessel at Karachi Port for over six months, the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.

Addressing a weekly media briefing in the national capital, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that the prolonged delay stems from an employment and crewing dispute between the sailors and the ship's owner, as maritime regulations prevent crew members from disembarking until a replacement team arrives.

"It is actually a matter between the owner of the ship and the employees who are on the ship. You cannot just leave the ship. A replacement c...