Context:
Amid rising U.S.–Iran tensions, India offered port shelter to the Iranian warship IRIS Dena before it was later sunk near Sri Lanka.
Key Points
• IRIS Dena had earlier visited Visakhapatnam for IFR/MILAN exercises.
• The vessel was later targeted near Sri Lanka.
• India had previously offered safe harbour to the ship.
• Another Iranian ship IRIS Lavan docked at Kochi.
• The episode reflects India’s balancing approach in West Asia and maritime diplomacy.
Parallel Developments
• The United States had earlier granted waivers for Russian oil trade.
• India also began planning evacuation contingencies for roughly 9,000 Indians in Iran.
