Relevance: GS II (International Relations) & GS III (Security) | Source: The Hindu
1. What is the Big News?
An American submarine fired a torpedo and sank an Iranian naval warship named IRIS Dena just off the coast of Sri Lanka.
- The Tragedy: Over 80 sailors lost their lives. The Sri Lankan Navy quickly stepped in and rescued 32 people from the sinking ship.
- Why it is Historic: The United States claims this is the first time they have sunk an enemy ship using a torpedo since World War II.
2. Why was the Iranian Ship There?
- Returning from India: The Iranian ship was not fighting a war at that moment. It was simply returning home after attending a friendly naval exercise (MILAN-2026) hosted by the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam.
- The War is Spreading: This attack clearly shows that the ongoing fight between the US, Israel, and Iran is no longer limited to the Middle East. It has now entered the Indian Ocean.
3. Why is India Worried?
For your exam, you must understand how this impacts India directly:
- Threat to our Trade Routes: The ship sank near the vital ocean highways located south of Sri Lanka. Most of the world’s commercial cargo and oil travel through these routes. A war here makes shipping dangerous and expensive, which will increase the price of everyday goods in India.
- War at our Doorstep: Having two major foreign powers fight so close to the Indian subcontinent is a direct threat to peace in our immediate neighbourhood.
- The Diplomatic Test: India is good friends with both the United States and Iran. Balancing these two relationships without taking sides will be a huge test for Indian diplomats.
UPSC Value Box
| Important Concept | Simple Meaning for Exam |
| Torpedo | An underwater missile fired from a submarine. It travels through the water and explodes when it hits an enemy ship. |
| Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) | The main “ocean highways” used by ships for global trade and military movement. |
| Maritime Search and Rescue Law | A global rule that forces coastal countries (like Sri Lanka) to save drowning sailors near their shores, no matter which country the sailors belong to. |
With reference to recent geopolitical events and maritime security in the Indian Ocean, consider the following statements:
- The Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena was sunk off the coast of Sri Lanka by a United States submarine.
- Global maritime laws legally require coastal nations to rescue people in distress at sea near their shores, regardless of their nationality.
- Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) strictly refer to the underwater cables used for international internet connectivity.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (a)
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