India gave safe harbour to another Iranian ship days before IRIS Dena was sunk – report

Just days prior to the sinking of the Iranian naval ship IRIS Dena off the coast of Sri Lanka due to a US strike, India permitted another Iranian vessel to dock at Kochi. This decision came after Iran urgently requested help because of technical difficulties. On February 28, Iran asked India for permission for the IRIS Lavan to enter Kochi port, as it was facing issues while operating in the area. This ship was part of a group that had come to participate in the International Fleet Review, according to government sources. The Iranian request indicated that the vessel needed immediate docking at Kochi for repairs. Indian authorities approved this request on March 1. The IRIS Lavan arrived and docked at Kochi on March 4, as noted by the sources. The 183 crew members aboard are currently being housed at Indian naval facilities in Kochi. “Before the incident involving the IRIS Dena south of Sri Lanka, Iran reached out to India for the IRIS Lavan, which was also present for the International Fleet Review,” stated government sources.