India Allowed Iranian Warship IRIS Lavan To Dock In Kochi Days Before US Strike On IRIS Dena

India permitted the Iranian warship IRIS Lavan to dock at Kochi and provided shelter to its 183 crew members just days before another Iranian naval vessel, IRIS Dena, was struck by a United States submarine near Sri Lanka.

The two developments unfolded on the same day, adding to the already tense situation between Washington and Tehran and drawing attention to the growing strain in the Indian Ocean region.

Iran requested emergency docking at Kochi

Officials familiar with the development said Tehran first approached New Delhi on 28 February seeking permission for IRIS Lavan to enter Kochi port. The request was made after the vessel reportedly developed technical issues while sailing at sea.

Indian authorities carried out an internal review and granted clearance on 29 February. The decision came amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, which had already seen hostilities escalate in recent days.

Following the approval, IRIS Lavan reached Kochi on 4 March and has remained stationed at the port under the supervision of Indian authorities.

Crew members housed at naval facilities

After the vessel arrived in Kochi, India provided accommodation for all 183 crew members. Officials confirmed that the sailors are currently staying at naval facilities in the city while the ship remains docked.

A source said, "IRIS LAVAN has since docked at Kochi on 4 March. In this context, its crew of 183 are currently accommodated at naval facilities in Kochi," confirming the arrangements made for the Iranian personnel.

Indian officials described the move as a response to the ship's technical problems and the humanitarian situation involving its crew.

US submarine strike sinks IRIS Dena

On the same day IRIS Lavan reached Kochi, another Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, came under attack in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka. Officials said the vessel was hit by a United States submarine strike.

The incident proved deadly, with 87 Iranian sailors reported killed in the attack. Sri Lankan authorities later rescued more than 30 crew members from the water following the strike.

The episode has further worsened already strained relations between the United States and Iran and raised concerns about the security situation in waters surrounding South Asia.

Iran claims ship was unarmed

Iranian officials said IRIS Dena had been returning from a naval exercise in India when the attack occurred. Tehran insisted the vessel was not carrying weapons during its journey back.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated that IRIS Dena was returning from a naval drill in India when attacked. Khatibzadeh said the vessel was "unarmed and unloaded" during the voyage back.

The developments have placed a spotlight on the widening geopolitical tensions in the region, as the confrontation between Washington and Tehran increasingly affects maritime routes and naval activity across the Indian Ocean.