Middle East tensions: Following the tragic sinking of the Iranian Navy frigate IRIS Dena on March 4—which was torpedoed by a US submarine in international waters off the coast of Sri Lanka, resulting in significant casualties—another Iranian vessel, the IRIS Lavan, requested and was granted safe passage at India’s Kochi Port. Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fatahli, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Indian government and local authorities for their cooperation and compassion, emphasizing the ever-friendly relationship between Tehran and New Delhi, even during this time of major regional crisis.
Iran thanks India after naval vessel IRIS Lavan docks at Kochi following the IRIS Dena incident in the Indian Ocean
Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, told ANI, “Following the tragic incident involving the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena in the waters of the Indian Ocean, the Islamic Republic of Iran is continuing to follow up on the situation of the crew members and to examine the different aspects of this incident. In this context, another Iranian naval vessel, IRIS Lavan, has docked at the port of Kochi in India to carry out technical and logistical arrangements.”
He said, “I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Government of India and the local authorities for their cooperation and humanitarian approach in facilitating the docking of this vessel and supporting its crew. The excellent coordination and cooperation of the Indian authorities in these difficult circumstances clearly reflect the long-standing and friendly relations between our two countries.”
“We express our appreciation to the government and the people of India for their valuable support and cooperation. We are confident that the historic and constructive relations between Tehran and New Delhi will continue to grow and strengthen in the future.”
