The Congress party has raised concerns about the Indian government’s silence following the attack on the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in international waters near Sri Lanka, resulting in the loss of 87 sailors’ lives and leaving several others missing. Salman Khurshid, a senior party leader, emphasized the potential escalation of conflict in the region due to the incident, urging the government to assert India’s interests in the Indian Ocean Region. He highlighted the risk posed to trust in India’s naval capabilities and international engagements by the lack of official response.
Khurshid criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for not addressing the attack on IRIS Dena, a vessel that had recently participated in naval exercises in India. He pointed out that the attack on the frigate, which was likely defenseless at the time, raises questions about adherence to international maritime laws and norms. The Congress leader stressed the importance of India maintaining its role as a Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean Region and expressed disappointment over the government’s perceived inaction.
The Congress party highlighted India’s historical role in maritime security and disaster relief efforts in the Indian Ocean Region, emphasizing the country’s leadership in ensuring a secure and open maritime environment. Referring to past operations and deployments by the Indian Navy, the party underscored India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and contributing to regional security. The party also criticized the reported silence of the US government regarding the attack on the Iranian frigate, calling for a clearer response to the incident.
