Iranian Warship Sunk: US Submarine & India Drill Link?

GALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — A U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship in international waters near Sri Lanka, an incident that has ignited debate over maritime security in the Indian Ocean and underscored the broadening scope of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Iranian Warship Participated in Indian Naval Exercises

The Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, had recently participated in naval exercises hosted by India before heading into international waters on its way home, according to New Delhi. The ship took part in the International Fleet Review and the multilateral naval exercise MILAN 2026, held in Visakhapatnam from Feb. 15 to Feb. 25, with 74 countries participating.

Sinking and Rescue Efforts

Sri Lanka’s navy recovered 87 bodies and rescued 32 Iranian sailors after the IRIS Dena sank off the coast of the island nation on Wednesday. The sinking is a rare instance of a submarine torpedoing a ship since World War II. The navy responded to a distress signal but found only oil patches and sailors in the water upon arrival.

U.S. Response and Iranian Accusations

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the sinking demonstrates the U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran is extending beyond its borders, calling the IRIS Dena a “prize ship.” U.S. President Donald Trump has stated a key objective of the conflict is to eliminate Iran’s navy. A video released by the U.S. Department of Defense shows the moment of the torpedo attack, depicting the ship breaking apart after an underwater explosion.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the U.S. Navy of committing an “atrocity at sea” and warned the United States would “bitterly regret” the attack. Araghchi said the IRIS Dena had been carrying “almost 130” crew members.

Another Iranian Ship and Indian Concerns

Sri Lanka’s media minister and government spokesman, Nalinda Jayatissa, announced Thursday that another Iranian ship has entered Sri Lankan waters, though details about the ship and its crew remain limited. The government is focused on minimizing loss of life and maintaining regional peace.

India’s Reaction and Debate

India has traditionally maintained a careful diplomatic balance in tensions between the U.S. and Iran, emphasizing diplomacy. However, Indian opposition leaders have questioned the government’s lack of public response to the sinking, arguing it warrants an official statement given its proximity to India’s maritime neighborhood.

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the matter, noting the conflict has reached India’s “backyard.” Former diplomat Kanwal Sibal acknowledged India is not responsible for the U.S. attack but emphasized its “moral and human” responsibility, stating the U.S. has disregarded India’s sensitivities as the ship was in the area at India’s invitation.