External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar clarified India’s decision to permit an Iranian naval ship, IRIS Lavan, to dock in Kochi due to technical issues. The vessel had participated in the International Fleet Review and faced problems while operating in the region. India received a request from Iran days before an incident involving the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena south of Sri Lanka.
India approved the docking request on March 1 after Iran reported technical difficulties. The vessel, with 183 crew members, is currently stationed in Kochi. EAM Jaishankar emphasized India’s humane approach in assisting the IRIS Lavan amid challenging circumstances. The Iranian ships had initially come to India for naval events before the situation in the region worsened.
EAM Jaishankar highlighted the humanitarian aspect of allowing the Iranian vessel to dock in Kochi. The ships IRIS Dena, IRIS Lavan, and IRIS Bushehr had participated in naval exercises in Visakhapatnam. The fate of IRIS Dena, struck by a torpedo in international waters off Sri Lanka, resulted in casualties and rescues. Jaishankar addressed social media discussions on the strategic dynamics of the Indian Ocean Region.
