India has granted an emergency port call to the Iranian landing ship IRIS Lavan, providing refuge for its 183 crew members at naval facilities in Kochi, Indian government sources told AFP on 4/3.

The Iranian navy contacted New Delhi on 28/2, requesting permission for the IRIS Lavan to dock at Kochi after the vessel experienced technical issues during a naval parade, WION news agency previously reported, citing Indian officials. India approved the request on 1/3.

IRIS Lavan assault landing ship. Photo: Indian Navy

The IRIS Lavan docked in India on the same day the Pentagon announced a US submarine had sunk the frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lankan officials rescued 32 people and recovered 87 bodies, estimating about 180 people were on board the IRIS Dena. Iran, however, stated the crew comprised approximately 130 individuals.

Separately, the Sri Lankan government confirmed on 5/3 that it had received the Iranian navy's IRIS Bushehr supply ship after it reported engine problems and requested an emergency port call.

All three vessels – IRIS Lavan, IRIS Dena, and IRIS Bushehr – were part of an Iranian naval fleet participating in exercises and diplomatic activities in India before the Middle East conflict escalated.

Location of Kochi city, India. Graphic: Britannica

The regional tensions began escalating on 28/2 when US and Israeli forces launched an air campaign against Iranian territory, killing several high-ranking officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran immediately retaliated against Israeli territory and Arab nations with a US military presence, causing the conflict to rapidly spread.

US Central Command, the unit overseeing all US military operations in the Middle East, announced on 5/3 that it has sunk more than 30 Iranian naval vessels since the start of the campaign.

By Nhu Tam, with reports from AFP and Times of India