By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following a distress signal from the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, which sank after being struck by a United States submarine torpedo in the Indian Ocean, the Indian Navy launched immediate search and rescue operations. A long-range maritime patrol aircraft was deployed, and the training ship INS Tarangini was directed to assist, joining ongoing efforts by Sri Lankan authorities. The Indian Navy continues to coordinate with Sri Lankan officials and deployed another vessel to search for missing personnel as a humanitarian endeavor. The incident, described as an “atrocity at sea” by Iran, occurred approximately 40 nautical miles off Sri Lanka’s coast.
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The Indian Navy recently deployed a vessel to provide assistance to a sinking Iranian warship located near Sri Lanka, demonstrating a commendable commitment to humanitarian aid at sea. This intervention highlights India’s consistent stance of extending help to those in distress, regardless of geopolitical complexities. The incident, involving the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, has sparked discussions surrounding maritime protocols, international law, and the actions of various navies.
The Iranian warship was reportedly in distress approximately 40 nautical miles off the coast of Galle, Sri Lanka. After receiving a distress call, the Indian Navy swiftly initiated search and rescue operations. A long-range maritime patrol aircraft was dispatched to augment the ongoing efforts led by Sri Lanka. Additionally, another aircraft equipped with air-droppable life rafts was kept on standby for immediate deployment. INS Tarangini, which was operating in the vicinity, was redirected to the search area and arrived promptly. Further bolstering the humanitarian mission, INS Ikshak sailed from Kochi to support the search for any missing personnel, continuing to remain in the area as a humanitarian measure.
The situation also raised questions about the permissions and protocols involved when a foreign naval vessel requires assistance within another country’s maritime zone. The IRIS Dena, facing difficulties in returning to Iran due to ongoing conflict, waited for approximately 11 hours near Galle port for clearance from the Sri Lankan government to berth. This delay prompted inquiries in the Sri Lankan Parliament regarding why permission was not granted sooner for the vessel, which had been attacked by a US submarine. The fact that the vessel was reportedly attacked in international waters, far from the Strait of Hormuz, and near India and Sri Lanka, has led to considerable debate about the justification and rules of engagement employed by the attacking submarine.
A significant point of discussion revolves around international humanitarian law and the obligations of naval forces during and after engagements. While rules of engagement are distinct from international humanitarian law, the latter dictates certain responsibilities. Specifically, Article 18 of the Second Geneva Convention mandates that parties to an engagement at sea conduct rescue operations to the extent possible after hostilities have ceased, and without delay. This principle is understood to apply to submarines as well, though the practicalities of their operations, such as maintaining secrecy and limited capacity for survivors, are also acknowledged. Critics argue that even if a submarine cannot directly rescue survivors, efforts should be made to coordinate with other assets or ensure that a vessel is not sunk without a capacity to aid its crew.
The context of the Iranian warship’s presence adds another layer to the narrative. It is reported that the IRIS Dena had visited India at the invitation of the Indian Navy for a naval event, and was inspected by the President of India. The ship and its crew had interacted with people in India, bought souvenirs, and were reportedly attacked by a US submarine after departing. This association with India as a guest has led some to view the attack as particularly egregious and a breach of international maritime etiquette, especially given that the ship was unarmed and far from a conflict zone. The US submarine’s action is thus seen by many as unprovoked and a “brain-dead tactic” that violates the spirit and letter of international law.
India’s proactive role in providing assistance in this instance is being lauded as a virtuous and honorable act, reinforcing its reputation for helping nations in times of need. This is not an isolated incident; India has a history of providing aid during disasters and in conflict zones, demonstrating a commitment to global humanitarian causes. The current situation, however, is amplified by the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the nature of the alleged attack on the Iranian vessel, which was a guest of the Indian Navy.
The response from various quarters suggests a strong ethical underpinning to the Indian Navy’s actions. The emphasis is on the humanitarian imperative to assist a ship in distress, a duty that transcends political rivalries. While the incident has brought to the forefront complex questions about the legality and morality of military actions at sea, India’s swift deployment of its naval assets to aid the sinking Iranian warship underscores its dedication to upholding humanitarian principles and ensuring the safety of life at sea. The coordinated search and rescue efforts with Sri Lanka also highlight the importance of regional cooperation in maritime safety.