Summary of External Affairs Minister's Statement

Context and Incident Overview

• The Indian government attempted to reach out to Iran following the U.S.-Israel attack on February 28, 2026, which resulted in the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
• Efforts to communicate were hindered by ongoing conflict.
• Iran requested docking permission for three ships at Indian ports following the attack on IRIS DENA.

Diplomatic Interactions and Responses

• Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signed the condolence book at the Iranian embassy in New Delhi.
• India has not officially condemned the incident.
• Mr. Jaishankar discussed India's diplomatic efforts with the U.S. and assured assistance to stranded Indian nationals, resulting in the operation of numerous commercial flights.
• IRIS LAVAN was allowed to dock in Kochi on March 4, 2026.

Maritime and Energy Security Concerns

• IRIS LAVAN and IRIS BUSHEHR's maritime safety gained attention after IRIS DENA was torpedoed near Sri Lanka.
• Prime Minister Modi and Mr. Jaishankar engaged with Arab Gulf states, receiving assurances for the Indian community's well-being.
• The government is committed to ensuring India's energy security amid regional tensions and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Parliamentary Reactions and Criticisms

• The Opposition staged a walkout demanding discussion on the Gulf energy situation and ongoing violence.
• opposition members criticized the lack of protest against the sinking of IRIS DENA and the absence of condemnation for Khamenei's assassination.
• The opposition called for solutions to the geopolitical and geo-economic challenges facing India.