New Delhi: EAM Jaishankar shared India’s stance on recent events in the Indian Ocean during the Raisina Dialogue. He discussed the unfortunate sinking of the Iranian vessel, IRIS Dena, which was sunk by the U.S. in international waters while returning from an event in India. In response, India allowed another Iranian ship, IRIS Lavan, to dock in Kochi after it encountered technical problems. This vessel had participated in the International Fleet Review earlier this year.
Before the sinking incident, Iran reached out to India for help with the IRIS Lavan. India granted the request on March 1, and the ship’s crew of 183, many of whom were young cadets, is now staying at nearby naval facilities.
Jaishankar emphasized the humane approach India took in this situation. He described it as a compassionate response to Iran’s urgent request. He pointed out that the crew expected to come to India for a fleet review but found themselves caught in unexpected turmoil.
In discussing the broader context, Jaishankar noted the realities of the Indian Ocean and its geopolitical landscape. He mentioned the presence of foreign forces in places like Diego Garcia and Djibouti, which have shaped the region’s dynamics over the past few decades. According to a recent report, conflicts and strategic interests are increasingly affecting maritime security in the Indian Ocean, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation.
Jaishankar stressed that India has invested significantly in the development of the Indian Ocean region. As per a 2022 study, trade within the Indian Ocean is projected to grow by 22% in the next five years, showing that with India’s growth, neighboring countries can also benefit. He believes that fostering an Indian Ocean identity requires robust investments and collaborations.
Furthermore, he expressed concern for the safety of merchant ships in these waters, noting that many crew members are Indian. Recent statistics show a rise in maritime security incidents, making it crucial for India to safeguard its maritime interests. “We need to pay attention to our people working at sea and ensure their safety,” he stated.
In converging maritime interests, Jaishankar advocated for a cooperative approach to enhance stability in the region while recognizing the diverse challenges that different nations face. He concluded by emphasizing the need for a unified strategy to address the emerging challenges in the Indian Ocean, highlighting that India’s growth can ultimately benefit the entire region.
Source link
IRAN IRIS LAVAN DOCK IN KOCHI, IRAN WAR, JAISHANKAR ON IRAN IRIS LAVAN, EAM JAISHANKAR ON INDIA ALLOWING IRAN IRIS LAVAN TO DOCK IN KOCHI
