Iranian Ship IRIS Lavan Docked in Kochi Amid West Asia Tensions

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that the Iranian ship IRIS Lavan is docked in Kochi, Kerala, with its crew at Indian naval facilities. This development comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia, following a US operation against Iran. Jaishankar highlighted India's efforts to assist stranded Indians in the region and emphasized the importance of dialogue for de-escalation. The situation remains critical, with significant implications for regional security and India's interests.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 9, 2026, 13:57 IST

Iranian Vessel IRIS Lavan in Kochi

During a session in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that the Iranian ship IRIS Lavan is currently docked in Kochi, Kerala, with its crew members accommodated at Indian naval facilities.

Jaishankar's comments came as he addressed the ongoing situation in West Asia. He noted that Iran had sought permission for three of its vessels to dock at Indian ports, which was granted by New Delhi on March 1. The IRIS Lavan arrived in Kochi on March 4, according to the foreign minister.

"We believe this was the appropriate action, and the Iranian Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, has expressed gratitude for this humanitarian gesture," Jaishankar stated.

While he did not confirm whether the IRIS Dena, which was sunk by a US submarine on March 4, was among the ships allowed to dock, a report indicated that India had offered shelter to the IRIS Dena prior to its sinking.

The IRIS Dena had departed from Visakhapatnam after participating in the International Fleet Review and the MILAN-2026 naval exercise, which concluded on February 25. It was struck by a US torpedo in international waters near Sri Lanka on March 4, resulting in at least 87 fatalities and 61 individuals reported missing, with the Sri Lankan Navy rescuing 32.

Iran's request for its ships to dock came amid escalating tensions in West Asia, which began on February 28 when the US and Israel initiated a joint operation against Iran, claiming it posed an existential threat to Israel.

Israel has alleged that Iran is nearing the capability to acquire a nuclear weapon, which could disrupt the regional security balance, while Tehran insists its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes.

During the session, opposition members protested, leading to a walkout as they demanded a discussion on the conflict. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the government for making a statement that did not allow for questions or clarifications from MPs.

Efforts to Evacuate Indians from West Asia

In light of the ongoing conflict, Jaishankar also informed Parliament that the government is actively working to repatriate Indians stranded in West Asia. He mentioned that the Indian Embassy in Iran has been instrumental in relocating several Indian students from Tehran to safer locations.

"Indian nationals engaged in business in Iran have been assisted in crossing over to Armenia for their return to India," he added. "Our Embassy in Tehran remains fully operational and vigilant."

Jaishankar emphasized that the conflict is particularly concerning for India, given the significant number of Indians residing and working in Gulf nations, estimated at around one crore. He noted that there are also several thousand Indians in Iran for educational or employment purposes.

He remarked that the situation has worsened, with the security landscape in the region deteriorating significantly. The minister reiterated India's stance that dialogue and diplomacy are essential for de-escalating tensions.