New Delhi, March 9 Iran had sought India's permission for three of its ships to dock at Indian ports, and the approval was granted the next day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday, amid tensions in the Indian Ocean region following the sinking of an Iranian warship by the US last week.
In a statement in Parliament, Jaishankar said one Iranian vessel, IRIS LAVAN, docked in Kochi on March 4.
This is the first time a senior minister has said that Iran requested permission for three of its ships to dock in Indian ports.
"The Iranian side requested permission on February 28 for three ships in the region to dock at our ports. This was granted on March 1. IRIS LAVAN actually docked on March 4 in Kochi. The crew is currently at Indian naval facilities," he said.
"We believe that this was the right thing to do, and the Iranian foreign minister has expressed his country's thanks for this humane gesture," Jaishankar said.
The sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena by a US submarine off the coast of Sri Lanka on March 4 triggered concerns about the potential expansion of the conflict in West Asia to the Indian Ocean region.
The warship was returning home after participating in the Milan multilateral naval exercise, as well as the International Fleet Review hosted by India. At least 87 Iranian sailors were killed in the attack.
Another Iranian warship was allowed to dock by Sri Lanka at its eastern port of Trincomalee.
The vessel, IRINS Bushehr, had sought permission to enter Sri Lankan waters, citing an engine failure.
In his remarks, Jaishankar also said that the government is fully committed to ensuring the country's energy security.
Global energy supplies have witnessed some disruptions due to the escalating conflict in West Asia.
"In view of the implications of this conflict for our energy security, I also seek to address that particular concern. The government remains committed to ensuring that fully, taking into account the availability, costs, and risks of the energy markets," the external affairs minister said.
"For us, the interests of Indian consumers will always be the overriding priority. Where required, Indian diplomacy has supported the endeavors of our energy enterprises in this volatile situation," he said.
