India confirms docking of Iranian ship IRIS Lavan in Kochi
What's the story
India has confirmed that it had interned the Iranian landing ship IRIS Lavan at Kochi on March 4. The development comes after Iran had sought urgent docking of the vessel due to technical issues on February 28, just days before the sinking of another Iranian ship, IRIS Dena, by the United States Navy. India granted permission for docking on March 1, and IRIS Lavan was docked at Kochi three days later.
Crew accommodation
Crew of 183 personnel being housed at naval facilities
The crew of 183 personnel from the IRIS Lavan is presently being housed at naval facilities in Kochi. An official announcement from Indian authorities is still awaited. Meanwhile, this delay in disclosure has been attributed to uncertainties surrounding the status of two other Iranian vessels in the area: Dena and Bushehr.
Incident details
US sunk IRIS Dena off Sri Lanka's coast
A US Navy submarine sank the IRIS Dena off Sri Lanka's southern coast on March 4. This was confirmed by Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who said three Australian sailors were on board but denied their involvement in the attack. The sinking of Dena has drawn criticism from political opposition in India amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States.
Refuge granted
Sri Lanka grants refuge to replenishment vessel IRIS Bushehr
On March 5, Sri Lanka granted refuge to the replenishment vessel IRIS Bushehr. The ship will berth at Trincomalee while most of its 208-strong crew remains in Colombo. This development follows an official request from Iran for permission for three Iranian ships to enter Colombo between March 9 and 13.
Crew repatriation
US reportedly pressuring Sri Lanka not to repatriate sailors
The United States is reportedly pressuring Sri Lanka not to repatriate the 32 survivors of IRIS Dena and IRIS Bushehr. An internal State Department cable urged Sri Lankan authorities to minimize the use of Iranian propaganda with these detainees. The US has launched "Operation Epic Fury," significantly crippling Iran's naval capabilities by sinking over 20 ships and attacking naval facilities.