India prioritizes seafarer safety amid maritime tensions. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar explained India's decision to allow Iranian naval vessel IRIS Lavan to dock in Kochi after it reported technical difficulties. The ship, which had participated in India's International Fleet Review and MILAN 2026 exercise, was approved for docking on March 1 with 183 crew members now staying at naval facilities. Jaishankar emphasized the decision was guided by humanitarian principles rather than geopolitical considerations. The move comes after another Iranian vessel, IRIS Dena, sank in international waters south of Sri Lanka. These incidents underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean where multiple powers maintain presence and commercial activities intersect with security concerns.