India Permits Iranian Warship Docking in Kochi Citing Humanitarian Grounds Amid Regional Tensions

India allowed the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Lavan to dock at Kochi in early March 2026 after it reported technical difficulties amid escalating conflict involving the US and Iran. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated the decision was driven by humanitarian concerns, despite geopolitical tensions and legal considerations. The docking followed a distress call, with the ship originally participating in an International Fleet Review. Meanwhile, another Iranian ship, IRIS Dena, was sunk by a US submarine near Sri Lanka, resulting in casualties. India contrasted its approach with Sri Lanka's, emphasizing humanity over politics.