India lets Iranian warship dock in Kochi for repairs on humanitarian grounds

An Iranian warship, IRIS Lavan, docked in Kochi on March 1 for repairs. This follows the sinking of another Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, by a US submarine.
By Newsroom | International Relations, India |

Jaishankar Cites Humanitarian Concerns for Allowing Iranian Warship Docking in Kochi

India permitted an Iranian naval vessel, the IRIS Lavan, to dock in Kochi primarily on humanitarian grounds, according to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The decision was made after the vessel reported technical issues, with Iran having formally requested docking permission on February 28. India approved the request on March 1, though the ship took several days to reach the port.

‘Approached from a point of humanity,’ Jaishankar on why India let Iran warship dock in Kochi - 1

Jaishankar’s statements, made during the Raisina Dialogue, followed the recent sinking of another Iranian warship, the IRIS Dena, by a United States submarine in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Sri Lanka. He characterized the docking of the IRIS Lavan as a "humane thing to do" and stressed that the approach was not politically motivated. The vessel had reportedly been in the region for a fleet review when escalating conflict situations occurred.

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‘Approached from a point of humanity,’ Jaishankar on why India let Iran warship dock in Kochi - 2

"Reality of the Indian Ocean" Cited Amidst Foreign Military Presence

The External Affairs Minister also referenced the broader geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean, describing it as the "reality of the Indian Ocean." He noted the long-standing presence of foreign military bases in the region, such as Diego Garcia, and foreign forces stationed in Djibouti, asserting that these are not new strategic developments.

‘Approached from a point of humanity,’ Jaishankar on why India let Iran warship dock in Kochi - 3

Jaishankar highlighted India's increasing role as a "net security provider" in the Indian Ocean, while simultaneously acknowledging the existing strategic complexities. He suggested that India's own growth would positively impact other nations in the region.

‘Approached from a point of humanity,’ Jaishankar on why India let Iran warship dock in Kochi - 4

The IRIS Dena incident, where the Iranian frigate was sunk by a US submarine near Sri Lanka, also drew comment. Sri Lankan authorities reported escorting another Iranian naval ship, the Booshehr, to a harbor on the country's eastern coast. The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister indicated his government's response to the IRIS Dena incident was in line with international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Iranian warship IRIS Lavan dock in Kochi, India?
The Iranian naval vessel IRIS Lavan docked in Kochi on March 1 because it had technical issues. India allowed it to dock on humanitarian grounds after Iran asked for permission on February 28.
Q: What did India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar say about the docking?
Minister S. Jaishankar said it was a 'humane thing to do' and not politically motivated. He spoke about this at the Raisina Dialogue event.
Q: Is the docking of the IRIS Lavan related to the sinking of another Iranian warship?
Yes, the docking happened after the Iranian warship IRIS Dena was sunk by a US submarine in the Indian Ocean. India's decision was made in that context.
Q: What did Jaishankar say about the Indian Ocean?
He called the Indian Ocean's situation the 'reality of the Indian Ocean' and mentioned the long presence of foreign military bases. He also said India is becoming a 'net security provider' in the region.
Q: What happened to the IRIS Dena warship?
The IRIS Dena was sunk by a US submarine in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka helped another Iranian ship, the Booshehr, reach a harbor.