The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that the Iranian vessel IRIS Lavan continues to be docked at Kochi in Kerala. In a recent update, the MEA stated that a chartered flight arranged by Iranian authorities facilitated the departure of non-essential crew members along with other stranded Iranian nationals. The flight took off from Kochi, enabling the return of those who could not leave India due to widespread flight disruptions stemming from ongoing conflicts in the region.

Details on the IRIS Lavan and Its Journey

The IRIS Lavan took part in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, which was held from February 15 to February 25. The vessel had docked in Kochi after encountering technical issues. The crew sought docking assistance shortly before the IRIS Dena incident, where the ship was sunk following a missile strike by a US submarine off Galle, Sri Lanka, on March 4. The request for urgent docking from Iranian authorities was made on February 28, with approval granted the following day. The IRIS Lavan has been at Kochi since March 4.

Regional Conflict and Diplomatic Efforts

During a briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal discussed the broader implications of the conflict in West Asia, noting India’s call for de-escalation and dialogue. India emphasizes the importance of maintaining uninterrupted transit for goods and energy supplies amidst the crisis. Jaiswal asserted that since the conflict began, India has prioritized these elements, urging for the protection of civilian infrastructure, particularly energy facilities, as the conflict’s repercussions are felt globally.

Shipping and Energy Security Initiatives

India’s diplomatic outreach includes establishing communication with key stakeholders, which consists of members from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Iran, the United States, and Israel. This coordination has addressed shipping concerns, aiding some vessels destined for Indian ports to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz. Notably, two Indian vessels, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, have successfully crossed the strait and are en route to Indian ports, while several others remain on standby in the Gulf region.

BRICS Discussions on the Ongoing Conflict

On the topic of BRICS, Jaiswal acknowledged that some member countries, including Iran and the UAE, are directly implicated in the West Asian situation, complicating consensus on a unified stance within the group. As the current Chair of BRICS, India is actively facilitating discussions through the Sherpa channel, with a recent virtual Sherpa meeting held on March 12. Jaiswal emphasized India’s continued diplomatic engagements with global partners concerning the evolving situation in West Asia.

Impact of Ongoing Hostilities

The resurgence of conflict in West Asia, which escalated on February 28, has led to heightened tensions between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other. The situation worsened following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during a joint military operation. This retaliation from Iran included strikes on Israeli and US sites across Gulf nations, significantly disrupting maritime routes and impacting international energy markets, thereby affecting global economic stability. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy shipments, remains virtually closed due to the ongoing hostilities.

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