India has provided shelter to the Iranian warship IRIS Lavan and its 183 sailors after the vessel sent a distress signal on February 28 due to technical problems. The incident occurred on the same day that U.S. and Israeli military operations began. According to the Indian government, the ship requested permission to dock in Kochi on February 28, received approval on March 1, and has been stationed there since March 4. Officials confirmed that accommodation and food have been arranged for the crew in Kochi.

The development comes as India faces criticism this week following reports that another Iranian ship, IRIS Dena, was struck by a U.S. submarine torpedo, killing more than 80 sailors, rescuing 32, and leaving over a hundred missing. India has not yet commented directly on that attack. The government stated that its decision to host IRIS Lavan was based on humanitarian grounds and the safety of the sailors.

The situation underscores India's delicate position amid escalating U.S.-Israel-Iran tensions in the region.