India Grants Iran Permission to Dock Three Ships: Jaishankar Calls it a Humane Gesture

S. Jaishankar said on Monday that Iran had sought India’s permission for three of its ships to dock at Indian ports. The request came amid rising tensions in the Indian Ocean following the reported sinking of an Iranian warship by the United States last week.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during the budget session of Parliament of India, Jaishankar said the Iranian government formally requested permission on February 28. The request was for three Iranian vessels operating in the region to dock at Indian ports.

According to the minister, the Indian government approved the request the next day on March 1. He described the decision as a humanitarian step taken in view of the situation faced by the ships and their crew members. Jaishankar also informed Parliament that one of the vessels, IRIS Lavan, had already docked in India. The ship arrived at Kochi Port on March 4 after receiving the necessary permission.

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The external affairs minister said that the crew members of the vessel are currently staying at facilities provided by the Indian Navy. Authorities are providing the necessary assistance while the ship remains docked at the port.

Jaishankar noted that the decision to allow the ships to dock was taken considering humanitarian concerns. He stressed that such steps are part of India’s approach to support sailors and crews facing difficulties at sea.

This is also the first time a senior Indian minister has publicly confirmed that Iran formally requested India’s permission for its ships to dock at Indian ports. The issue gained attention due to the broader geopolitical tensions currently unfolding in the Indian Ocean region.

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