India allowed Iranian naval ships to dock after Tehran request: EAM Jaishankar tell Rajya Sabha

Jaishankar also noted that India was closely monitoring developments in energy markets following the conflict, adding that ensuring stable supplies and protecting consumers remained a key priority.

• India permits Iranian naval ship IRIS Lavan to dock at Kochi port
• Docking allowed as a humanitarian gesture amid regional tensions
• Two Indian sailors dead, one missing in West Asia conflict zone

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India allowed Iranian naval vessels to dock at its ports after Iran sought assistance for ships operating in the region, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated on Monday amid rapidly escalating tensions in West Asia.

Making a statement in the Rajya Sabha, the EAM said Tehran had requested permission on February 28 for three ships in the region to enter Indian ports, and New Delhi cleared the request soon after.

“The Iranian side had requested permission on February 28 for three ships in the region to dock at our ports. This was accorded on March 1. IRIS Lavan actually docked on March 4,” Jaishankar said while briefing Parliament on the evolving situation in West Asia.

According to government sources, Iran had approached India seeking urgent docking support for IRIS Lavan after the vessel reportedly developed technical problems while operating in the region.

The request indicated that docking at Kochi was necessary to carry out technical and logistical arrangements. India approved the request on March 1 and the vessel subsequently docked at the port city of Kochi on March 4.

The ship carries a crew of 183 personnel, who are currently staying at Indian naval facilities in Kochi.

Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, thanked the Indian government for providing safe harbour and assistance to the crew. “I would like to sincerely thank the Government of India and the local authorities for their cooperation and humanitarian approach in facilitating the docking of this vessel and supporting its crew,” he said in an interview.

Fathali said the cooperation demonstrated the longstanding relationship between India and Iran.

Jaishankar had earlier described India’s decision to allow the docking as a humanitarian gesture.

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue earlier this month, the minister said the Iranian vessel had come to the region for naval engagements but found itself caught in rapidly evolving geopolitical circumstances.

“When they set out and came here, the situation was totally different. They were coming in for a fleet review, and then they got, in a way, caught on the wrong side of events,” he said.

“So for us, when this ship wanted to come in, and that too in difficulties, I think it was the humane thing to do. I think we did the right thing.”

The docking of IRIS Lavan came in the aftermath of an incident involving another Iranian naval vessel, IRIS Dena, which was reportedly torpedoed and sunk by a US submarine in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka.

Following a distress call received by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Colombo, the Indian Navy joined search and rescue operations, deploying maritime patrol aircraft to support efforts led by Sri Lankan authorities.

Of the estimated 180 crew members on board the vessel, dozens were reported dead while several survivors were rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy and admitted to hospitals in Galle.

Jaishankar also informed the Rajya Sabha that two Indian seafarers working on merchant vessels had died in the conflict zone while another remains missing.

“We have lost two Indian mariners in merchant shipping, and one remains missing,” he said.

The casualties come amid growing risks to commercial shipping routes in West Asian waters as the confrontation involving Iran and other regional actors disrupts maritime traffic.

Reiterating India’s position, Jaishankar said New Delhi favours peace and a return to diplomacy. “India remains in favour of peace, a return to dialogue and diplomacy. We advocate de-escalation, restraint and ensuring the safety of civilians,” he said.

He added that the safety of the Indian community in the region remained a top priority for the government and that India would continue engaging with governments in the region. “Our national interest, including energy security and trade goals, will always be paramount,” the minister said.

Jaishankar also noted that India was closely monitoring developments in energy markets following the conflict, adding that ensuring stable supplies and protecting consumers remained a key priority. “For us, the interest of Indian consumers has and will always be an overriding priority. Where required, Indian diplomacy has supported the endeavours of our energy enterprises in this volatile situation,” he said.