India Grants Docking Permission to Iranian Ships Amid Rising Tensions

In a significant diplomatic move, India has granted docking permission to Iranian ships amid rising tensions following the sinking of the IRIS Dena by a US submarine. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that the IRIS LAVAN docked in Kochi, with its crew currently housed in Indian naval facilities. This incident raises concerns about the potential escalation of conflict in the Indian Ocean region. Jaishankar emphasized India's commitment to energy security and the importance of maintaining stability in West Asia, where many Indian citizens reside and work. The situation continues to evolve, with calls for dialogue and diplomacy to address the ongoing conflict.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 9, 2026, 19:30 IST

Iranian Ships Dock in India Following US Incident

New Delhi: In light of escalating tensions in the Indian Ocean, particularly after the US sank an Iranian warship, Iran requested permission for three of its vessels to dock at Indian ports. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that this request was approved promptly.

During a parliamentary session, Jaishankar revealed that the IRIS LAVAN, one of the Iranian ships, successfully docked in Kochi on March 4, with its crew currently accommodated at Indian naval facilities.

This marks the first instance where a senior Indian official has acknowledged Iran's request for docking rights for three ships.

Jaishankar stated, "The Iranian side sought permission on February 28, which was granted on March 1. The IRIS LAVAN docked on March 4, and its crew is now in Indian naval facilities."

He emphasized that this decision was appropriate, noting that the Iranian Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for India's humanitarian gesture.

One of the vessels, the IRIS Dena, was tragically torpedoed and sunk by a US submarine on March 4.

The sinking of the IRIS Dena, which occurred off the coast of Sri Lanka, has raised alarms about the potential for conflict in West Asia to extend into the Indian Ocean.

The warship was returning from participating in the Milan multilateral naval exercise and the International Fleet Review hosted by India, resulting in the loss of at least 87 Iranian sailors.

Additionally, another Iranian ship, the IRIS Bushehr, was permitted to dock at Sri Lanka's Trincomalee port due to engine failure.

Jaishankar reiterated the Indian government's commitment to safeguarding the nation's energy security amidst global supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

He stated, "Given the implications of this conflict on our energy security, we are addressing these concerns. The government is dedicated to ensuring energy availability, costs, and market risks are managed effectively."

Jaishankar also highlighted that the interests of Indian consumers remain a top priority, and Indian diplomacy has supported energy enterprises during this volatile period.

He provided details on advisories issued by Indian embassies in Israel, Iran, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia from February 28 to March 8, reflecting the deteriorating situation in West Asia.

Jaishankar noted, "The conflict has intensified, significantly affecting security and normal life in the region, with economic activities disrupted or halted in many areas."

He reiterated India's call for dialogue and diplomacy on March 3, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives.

Jaishankar remarked, "While any global conflict is concerning, this situation is particularly critical for India due to our geographical proximity and vested interests in a stable West Asia."

He pointed out that approximately one crore Indian citizens reside and work in Gulf nations, with several thousand in Iran for education and employment, underscoring the region's importance to India's energy security.