Amidst tension in the Indian Ocean, India gives shelter to Iranian ship ‘IRIS LAVAN’ in Kochi

Amidst the ongoing tension between Iran and America, a recent incident in the sea has raised many questions. In fact, a few days ago, America had attacked and sunk Iran’s warship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean with a submarine. The ship was returning after participating in an international naval exercise organized in India. After this incident, the discussion regarding regional security and maritime rules has intensified.

Iran asked for help from India

Meanwhile, Indian government sources have informed that before this incident, India had helped another Iranian ship. It was told that Iranian ship IRIS LAVAN was coming to India to participate in maritime exercises, but it developed a technical fault on the way. After this, Iran sought help from India and requested to allow the ship to stop at a safe place.

According to sources, India received this request from Iran on 28 February 2026. After investigation, considering the situation, the Indian authorities allowed the ship to dock in Kochi. After this, official approval was given on 1 March and the ship reached Kochi port on 4 March. At present, 183 crew members of the ship are staying at Indian Navy facilities in Kochi, where they are being provided necessary assistance.

IRIS Dena was returning

On the other hand, the Iranian warship IRIS Dena was returning to its country after participating in a multinational naval exercise organized by India, when it was attacked. According to reports, an American submarine attacked it with a torpedo, due to which the ship was seriously damaged and started sinking in the sea. A large number of Iranian sailors were present on the ship in this incident.

It is reported that after the attack, the navies of India and Sri Lanka tried to provide assistance by conducting relief and rescue operations. However, at least 87 Iranian sailors died in this attack. After the sinking of the ship, Iran reacted strongly to the incident and called it a violation of international laws.

What did Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi say?

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that IRIS Dena was a training ship and had come as a guest to participate in the naval exercises held in India. According to him, there were no weapons on the ship and attacking such a ship should be considered a serious crime.

At the same time, in the statement issued by the US Defense Department, it was said that this is the first time after the Second World War that an enemy warship has been sunk by a torpedo attack. This ship had participated in the Indian Navy’s multinational maritime exercise Milan, in which about 42 warships and submarines from 18 friendly countries had participated.