The sinking of an Iranian warship by a United States submarine near Sri Lanka has triggered fresh concerns about security in the Indian Ocean, with Sri Lankan lawmaker Namal Rajapaksa warning that the development could also have implications for India.
Speaking after the incident, Rajapaksa said the strike shows how the ongoing conflict involving Iran is beginning to impact the wider region, far beyond the traditional battlegrounds in the Middle East.
Iranian Frigate Sunk Near Sri Lanka
The Iranian frigate IRIS Dena was sunk on Wednesday after a torpedo fired by a United States Navy submarine struck the vessel in international waters within Sri Lanka’s search-and-rescue zone.
Authorities in Sri Lanka said naval teams recovered 87 bodies and rescued 32 sailors after responding to a distress call from the vessel. Search operations are continuing for dozens of crew members still missing.
The incident reportedly occurred about 40 kilometres south of the coastal city of Galle, a significant distance from the Persian Gulf where tensions between Iran and US-backed forces have largely been concentrated.
Rajapaksa Raises Concerns for India and Region
Rajapaksa said the incident is a serious matter for the entire Indian Ocean region.
“This is a serious concern for Sri Lanka and also the Indian Ocean, and I’m sure for India as well,” he said, pointing out that military movements linked to the conflict are now occurring close to regional waters.
He added that the situation demonstrates how global conflicts between major powers can directly affect smaller nations in South Asia.
Questions for Sri Lankan Government
The Sri Lankan MP also questioned whether the government in Colombo had prior knowledge of the US military operation.
According to Rajapaksa, authorities must clarify whether they were aware of the attack beforehand or whether they were informed only after it occurred.
He stressed that if Sri Lanka had knowledge of such military activity near its waters, the government should communicate transparently with the public and regional partners.
Call for Regional Dialogue
Rajapaksa called for broader discussions among South Asian countries, including India, to address the growing security concerns in the Indian Ocean.
He said nations in the region — including Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan — must work together to ensure that international laws and national sovereignty are respected.
“This is about the national security of the Indian Ocean,” Rajapaksa said, urging regional cooperation to prevent escalating tensions from destabilizing the area.
Part of Wider US-Iran Conflict
The strike was confirmed by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who said an American submarine carried out the attack as part of a broader military campaign against Iran.
According to US officials, weakening Iran’s naval capabilities is one of the key objectives of the ongoing military operations linked to the wider conflict involving the United States and its allies.
