US Sinking of Iranian Warship Raises Tensions in Indian Ocean, Puts Pressure on India
GALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — The sinking of an Iranian warship by a U.S. submarine in the Indian Ocean has ignited a debate over maritime security and drawn India into a complex geopolitical situation, as the vessel had recently participated in naval exercises hosted by India.
The incident, which occurred near Sri Lanka, resulted in the recovery of 87 bodies and the rescue of 32 Iranian sailors from the IRIS Dena, according to the Sri Lankan navy. The sinking is a rare instance of a submarine torpedoing a ship since World War II. Sri Lankan authorities responded to a distress signal but found only oil and survivors when they arrived at the scene. Rescued sailors are receiving medical care in Galle.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the IRIS Dena as a “prize ship” and stated the sinking demonstrates the expanding scope of the U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran. President Donald Trump has previously stated a goal of dismantling Iran’s navy. The U.S. Department of Defense released video footage of the torpedo attack, showing the ship breaking apart after an underwater explosion.
The IRIS Dena had been returning from participation in the International Fleet Review and the multilateral naval exercise MILAN 2026, held by the Indian navy in Visakhapatnam between February 15 and February 25. Seventy-four countries participated in the events. A post on X (formerly Twitter) from the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command on February 17 showed the Iranian ship arriving for the exercises, with crew members posing with the Iranian flag.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the sinking as “an atrocity at sea” and warned of repercussions, stating on social media that the United States “will come to bitterly regret” the attack. Araghchi indicated the ship was carrying almost 130 crew members.
The incident places India in a delicate position. New Delhi has traditionally sought a diplomatic balance in tensions between the U.S. and Iran, emphasizing dialogue. However, the sinking occurred in a region where India maintains a significant naval presence and views the Indian Ocean as crucial to its security.
Indian opposition leaders have criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for its silence on the matter, arguing that the incident’s proximity to India’s maritime borders warrants an official statement. Rahul Gandhi, of the Indian National Congress party, posted on X questioning Modi’s lack of response.
Former diplomat Kanwal Sibal noted India’s lack of direct responsibility but emphasized a “moral and human plane” obligation, stating, “The US has ignored India’s sensitivities. The ship was in these waters because of India’s invitation.” Modi recently visited Israel, reaffirming the two countries’ alliance and commitment to confronting terrorism.
Adding to the concerns, Sri Lankan government spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa informed parliament Thursday that another Iranian ship has entered Sri Lankan territorial waters, though details remain scarce. The government stated it is working to “minimize the loss of lives and safeguard regional peace.”
The U.S. Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Pinckney was scheduled to participate in the MILAN 2026 exercises but was diverted due to “operational requirements,” according to the New India Express. The Pinckney reportedly fired a land-attack Tomahawk missile on March 2, two days after the U.S.-Israeli air assault on Iran.
