External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar provided his first official response on the Indian Navy’s actions regarding Iranian warships IRIS Dena and IRIS Lavan, following the recent incidents in the Indian Ocean.
Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi, Jaishankar emphasised India’s adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and international law while clarifying the reasons behind allowing IRIS Lavan to dock in Kochi.
Humanitarian Considerations Drive India’s Response
IRIS Lavan had requested docking after developing technical issues while participating in the International Fleet Review and MILAN 2026 naval exercises. The request arrived days before the sinking of IRIS Dena south of Sri Lanka. India approved the docking on March 1, allowing the ship’s 183 crew members, many of whom were young cadets, to stay in naval facilities in Kochi.
Jaishankar stated, “The ship was caught on the wrong side of events. Allowing it to dock was a humane decision. Our approach considered humanitarian needs beyond legal obligations.”
Search and Rescue for IRIS Dena
Following the sinking of IRIS Dena, the Indian Navy assisted in search and rescue operations coordinated with Sri Lanka’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC). The tragedy resulted in 87 fatalities. While IRIS Dena carried heavy weaponry and a helicopter, Iran later clarified that the ship was “unarmed and unloaded” during its return journey from India.
Emphasising Indian Ocean Realities
Jaishankar highlighted the strategic complexities of the Indian Ocean, noting the long-standing presence of foreign military bases, including Diego Garcia and Djibouti, and the growing significance of merchant shipping safety.
“India has millions of citizens working on merchant vessels. Every maritime incident in the region directly affects their safety,” he said, calling for attention to safeguarding Indian merchant mariners amid rising regional tensions.
Balancing National Interests and Humanitarian Action
The minister stressed that India’s response balances national security, humanitarian concerns, and the welfare of Indian citizens in the Gulf region. He underlined the need for careful policy decisions given the ongoing geopolitical tensions and energy security considerations.
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S Jaishankar, IRIS Lavan docking, IRIS Dena sinking, Indian Ocean security, India Iran naval relations, humanitarian naval aid, MILAN 2026, Kochi port, merchant shipping safety, UNCLOS compliance
