iran-sought-docking-for-three-ships-at-indian-ports-granted-eam

Iran had sought India’s permission for three of its ships to dock at Indian ports and the request was approved the following day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday amid rising tensions in the Indian Ocean region following the sinking of an Iranian warship by the United States last week.

 

In a statement in Parliament, Jaishankar said one of the Iranian vessels, IRIS Lavan, docked at Kochi on March 4.

 

It is the first time that a senior Indian minister has publicly stated that Iran requested docking permission for three of its ships at Indian ports.

 

“The Iranian side 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 in Kochi. The crew is currently in Indian naval facilities,” Jaishankar said.

 

He added that the government considered the decision appropriate and humanitarian in nature. According to the minister, the Iranian foreign minister has expressed gratitude to India for the gesture.

 

“We believe that this was the right thing to do and the Iranian foreign minister has expressed his country’s thanks for this humane gesture,” he said.

 

The development comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Indian Ocean after an Iranian frigate, IRIS Dena, was reportedly sunk by a US submarine off the coast of Sri Lanka on March 4.

 

The warship had been returning home after participating in the Milan multilateral naval exercise and the International Fleet Review hosted by India earlier this year. At least 87 Iranian sailors were reported killed in the attack.

 

Separately, another Iranian warship was allowed to dock in Sri Lanka at the eastern port of Trincomalee.

 

The vessel, IRINS Bushehr, had sought permission to enter Sri Lankan waters citing an engine failure.

 

Jaishankar also addressed concerns related to India’s energy security amid disruptions in global energy supplies caused by the escalating conflict in West Asia.

 

“In view of the implications of this conflict for our energy security, I also seek to address that particular concern. The government remains fully committed to ensuring energy security, taking into account the availability, costs and risks of energy markets,” he said.

 

The minister added that protecting the interests of Indian consumers remains the government’s top priority and that Indian diplomacy has supported the efforts of energy enterprises operating in a volatile global market.