India Allowed Iranian Naval Ship To Dock In Kochi On Humanitarian Grounds: Jaishankar

India permitted an Iranian naval vessel to dock in Kochi after technical problems, with Jaishankar emphasising humanitarian considerations behind the decision.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday clarified India’s decision to allow an Iranian naval vessel to dock at Kochi during the ongoing tensions in West Asia. The ship had reported technical difficulties while operating in regional waters. The government allowed it to dock on humanitarian grounds.

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, the minister explained that Iran had approached India with a request concerning its naval vessel IRIS Lavan.

The ship had earlier participated in international naval engagements and later encountered mechanical issues while sailing near the region.

According to Jaishankar, the Iranian authorities contacted India on February 28. After assessing the situation, India granted permission on March 1 for the vessel to enter Indian waters.

The ship subsequently sailed to Kochi and docked safely. Its 183 crew members have temporarily disembarked and are currently staying at naval facilities in the city.

Jaishankar emphasised that India’s decision was guided by humanitarian considerations rather than political calculations. He further noted that many of the crew members were young cadets who required assistance after the vessel encountered operational problems.

The ship had earlier travelled to India to participate in naval engagements. It took part in the International Fleet Review. It also participated in the MILAN 2026 naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam between February 15 and February 25.

Jaishankar noted that the situation in the region changed rapidly after the exercise concluded.

Several Iranian vessels were present in the area when the geopolitical environment deteriorated. Among them were IRIS Dena and IRIS Bushehr.

The minister also referred to the incident involving IRIS Dena near Galle.

A United States submarine reportedly fired a torpedo that struck and sank the frigate while it was sailing in international waters.

According to Sri Lankan authorities, 87 bodies were recovered, and 32 sailors were rescued.

Jaishankar further addressed debates circulating online about strategic developments in the Indian Ocean Region. He remarked that military presence by various nations in the region is not a recent phenomenon. Installations such as Diego Garcia and foreign bases in Djibouti have existed for years.

The minister reiterated that India responded to the docking request with compassion and responsibility. He said assisting a ship in distress was the appropriate course of action.

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