India has permitted an Iranian warship to dock at the Kochi port, following a request from Tehran. The IRIS Lavan, an amphibious warfare vessel, arrived on March 4, 2026, amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran.
The Iranian warship 183-member crew is being housed at Indian naval facilities after the ship developed technical issues. This development follows the recent sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena by a US submarine near Sri Lanka, which resulted in the loss of 87 sailors.
The IRIS Lavan was in the region to participate in an International Fleet Review hosted by India. Concurrently, Sri Lanka has granted entry to another Iranian warship, IRIS Booshehr, which also participated in the fleet review and faced engine problems.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the humanitarian responsibility to accommodate the IRIS Booshehr crew. The incident has intensified concerns over the impact on seaborne commerce and regional security.
India’s response to the crisis is seen as pragmatic, balancing its historical ties with Iran and strategic partnership with the US. The situation underscores the complexities of maintaining regional stability amid global geopolitical tensions.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 7, 2026
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