Iran sought nod to dock 3 ships at Indian ports: EAM

March 10, 2026

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed Parliament that Iran had requested permission for three of its naval ships to dock at Indian ports, and New Delhi approved the request amid rising tensions in West Asia and the Indian Ocean region.

The minister clarified the sequence of events while briefing lawmakers on India’s diplomatic and maritime response to the evolving crisis in the region.

Iran requested docking on February 28

According to Jaishankar, Iran formally approached India on February 28, 2026, seeking permission for three of its ships operating in the region to enter Indian ports. The Indian government approved the request the next day, on March 1.

He stated in Parliament:

“The Iranian side had requested permission on February 28 for three ships in the region to dock at our ports. This was accorded on March 1.”

The development came at a time when tensions in West Asia were escalating due to military hostilities and maritime incidents in the Indian Ocean.

One Iranian vessel docked in Kochi

Jaishankar confirmed that one of the Iranian vessels, IRIS Lavan, docked at Kochi on March 4 after receiving clearance from the Indian government.

The vessel had around 183 crew members, who were accommodated at Indian naval facilities after the docking.

Officials indicated that the ship reportedly faced technical issues while operating in the region, which was one of the reasons for the docking request.

India described the move as a humanitarian and practical decision, considering the safety of the crew and the rapidly evolving security situation in the region.

Statement amid rising regional tensions

The docking request and approval occurred against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Indian Ocean and West Asia, including the sinking of an Iranian warship in the region during the ongoing conflict.

The Iranian vessels were reportedly operating in the area after participating in naval activities and were affected by the deteriorating security environment.

India’s decision to allow docking was seen as part of its effort to manage maritime stability and protect seafarers in the region.

Jaishankar defends decision in Parliament

During his address, Jaishankar said allowing the ships to dock was “the right thing to do”, stressing that India’s actions were guided by humanitarian considerations and national interests.

He also emphasized that India’s foreign policy decisions would always prioritize national interest, energy security and the safety of maritime routes, especially given the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean.

The clarification comes after earlier remarks suggested that assistance was sought for only one ship, while the latest statement confirms that Iran had requested docking permission for three vessels.