Iran sought permission for docking of 3 ships in Indian ports; approval granted: Jaishankar

“Wellbeing of Indian community in West Asia overriding priority”

STATE TIMES NEWS

NEW DELHI: Iran had sought India’s permission for three of Œits 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 sinking of an Iranian warship by the US last week.
In a statement in the Parliament, Jaishankar said one Iranian vessel, IRIS LAVAN, docked in Kochi on March 4.
It is for the first time a senior minister said that Iran requested for docking of three of its ships in Indian ports.
“The Iranian side has requested permission on February 28 for three ships in the region to dock at our ports. This was accorded on March 1. IRIS LAVAN actually docked on March 4 in Kochi. The crew is currently in 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.
“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 the Indian consumers have and will always be the overriding priority. Where required, Indian diplomacy has supported the endeavours of our energy enterprises in this volatile situation,” he said.
He said India favours a return to dialogue and diplomacy for ensuring peace in West Asia and its overriding priority is the wellbeing of the Indian community in that region.
Jaishankar said national interest, including energy security and trade flows, will always be paramount for the government.
Speaking amid loud slogans by opposition MPs demanding a full-fledged discussion on the situation in West Asia, Jaishankar said developments in the region are a cause of deep concern to “all of us”.
The minister, who had addressed the Rajya Sabha earlier in the morning, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to closely monitor emerging developments and the relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses.
“The wellbeing and security of the Indian community in the region is our overriding priority. We will continue to work with the governments of the region towards that end,” the external affairs minister said.
“Our national interest, including energy security and trade flows, will always be paramount,” Jaishankar said.
Noting that the government had issued a statement earlier on the matter, Jaishankar said, “We continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions. It is also imperative that sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries is respected.”
He pointed out that the conflict has continued to intensify and the security situation in the region has deteriorated significantly.
In both houses, the Opposition staged vociferous protests as Jaishankar rose to make his suo-motu statement, demanding that a full-fledged discussion should precede his statement on the situation in West Asia. While the Opposition staged a walkout in the Rajya Sabha, they forced the Lok Sabha to be adjourned amid noisy scenes.
The minister said the government had issued a statement on February 28, expressing its deep concern and urging all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritise the safety of civilians.
” Jaishankar said developments in the region are a cause of deep concern to “all of us”, and added that the conflict has continued to intensify and the security situation in the region has deteriorated significantly.
The minister emphasised that Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to closely monitor emerging developments and the relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses.
He said the prime minister has spoken to leaders of several countries in West Asia and has received assurances that the well-being of the Indian community would be a priority for them.
“I have similarly been in close touch with my counterparts in these countries. Insofar as the United States is concerned, we have maintained regular contacts through diplomatic channels. While attempts have been made, contacts with Iran at the leadership level are obviously difficult at this time. I have, however, spoken to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on February 28 and March 5, 2026. We will continue these high-level conversations in the coming days,” he assured the house.
Jaishankar informed Parliament about the steps taken by the government to bring back Indians and provided details of the operation of flights by several airlines to bring back those affected.
Referring to concerns on the energy front amid rising global crude oil prices, he said the government remains committed to ensuring that fully, taking into account costs and risks of the energy markets.
“For us, the interests of the Indian consumer have and will always be the overriding priority. Where required, Indian diplomacy has supported the endeavours of our energy enterprises in this volatile situation,” he asserted.