Foreign Office minister Hugo Swire travelled to Carlisle on Tuesday to meet with the family of John Armstrong, as well as representatives of four of the other Britons in jail alongside him.
The 27-year-old, from Wigton, is among six former British soldiers who, despite protesting their innocence, were sentenced in January to five years hard labour in an Indian prison.
They were convicted of illegally possessing guns in international waters and of illegal refuelling.
John’s family and friends, both in Wigton and across Cumbria, have been campaigning for his freedom since he was first arrested in October 2013.
The meeting with Mr Swire at the Halston Hotel, in Warwick Road, was the first time the families have had the chance to talk to him in person since a fleeting meeting in 2014.
Joanne Thomlinson, John’s sister, said: “I expected to come out of the meeting feeling like I did in 2014: irritated and defeated.
“We didn’t feel like that this time, we feel it was really positive and constructive.
“They listened quite attentively to all of our concerns – big and small – and we felt they were a bit more compassionate than we had experienced in the past.”
She added: “We now realise the Government are taking this case really seriously and are going to continue to raise it and fight for this to be over as quickly as possible.”
Also at the meeting was John’s MP, Rory Stewart, who said it was a great chance for everyone to sit down and talk about both legal strategy, but also what can be done to make things as bearable as possible for the men in jail.
“Our main priority is to accelerate the timetable for these cases,” he said, “and at least try to give the men an opportunity to present their case ASAP. Our other aim is to try and ensure that if the men’s appeal is successful that there’s no counter-appeal.”
Prior to the meeting, up to 70 people marched through the streets of the city to raise awareness of the men’s plight.
Related article:
Mr Stewart said: “I think it is great: the amazing support that people have given John as an individual, and to his family is wonderful.
“I believe strongly he is innocent, so the more people who support him the better.”
The 35 crew members on board have always maintained their innocence, insisting they were simply employees of American anti-piracy firm Advanfort.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here