03/07/2026, 09:0803/07/2026, 09:08
India has allowed an Iranian warship to dock due to engine failure, according to media reports. The “IRIS Lavan” and its 183 crew members have been in the southwestern port city of Kochi since Wednesday, the broadcaster NDTV and other Indian media reported unanimously, citing officials in New Delhi.
For the USA, an important goal in the Iran war is to put all warships in the Iranian navy out of action. Just a few days ago, a US Navy submarine sank an Iranian frigate in international waters off Sri Lanka.
The broadcaster NDTV reported that the Iranian side had asked to take in the ship in order to be able to resolve technical problems. The request was reportedly made on February 28, the first day of the Israeli-American attacks in Iran. A day later, India agreed to the admission, it was said. The crew members of the landing ship “IRIS Lavan” are in Indian Navy facilities in Kochi.
Sri Lanka Navy sailors rescue Iranian sailors from the warship.Image: keystone
It was initially unclear whether the ship had also taken part in a naval show organized by India in February. The frigate that was later sunk off Sri Lanka by the US military took part in this.
Another Iranian warship in Sri Lanka
A day after the attack on the frigate, the Sri Lankan government allowed another Iranian warship to dock on humanitarian grounds. According to the government, the ship “IRIS Bushehr” asked for permission to anchor in a Sri Lankan port. The 208 crew members were brought to the capital Colombo. According to media reports, the ship had technical damage. (hkl/sda/dpa)