A report highlighted the false narrative on social media regarding the sinking of the Iranian ship IRIS Dena by the US. The incident occurred during the International Fleet Review (IFR) and Milan 2026 events hosted by the Indian Navy off Visakhapatnam. T S V Ramana, a former Indian Navy Officer, emphasized the importance of monitoring online discourse to counter damaging information effectively.
Ramana pointed out that the US Navy’s strike on Dena on March 4, involving a Mk 48 Torpedo, sparked debates on legal, moral, and diplomatic aspects. He stressed the need for continuous assessment of strategic situations near one’s country and areas where warships operate. Warships, he noted, are always prepared for combat, even during diplomatic or ceremonial missions.
The incident underscored that warships are built to face danger, and naval professionals must prioritize preparedness over sentiment. Ramana debunked claims that the Indian Navy should have been aware of the US SSN deployment, highlighting the vast and dynamic nature of the maritime domain. Monitoring every activity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) constantly is impractical due to the domain’s size and complexity.
