Aligning too closely with U.S., allies, India’s silence on IRIS Dena raises troubling questions

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* 

The reported sinking of the Iranian ship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka raises troubling questions about international norms and the credibility of the so-called rule-based order. If indeed the vessel was attacked by the American Navy while returning from a joint exercise in Visakhapatnam, it would represent a serious breach of trust and a violation of the principles that govern such cooperative engagements. Warships participating in these exercises are generally not armed for combat; they are meant to symbolize solidarity and friendship. The incident, therefore, is not only shocking but also deeply ironic.

Equally concerning is the silence of the Indian government and the Indian Navy. India often describes itself as the guardian of the Indian Ocean, yet when a guest vessel was attacked in waters close to our shores, there was no official response. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has engaged extensively with leaders across West Asia in recent days, but conspicuously not with Iran. Neither condolences for the deaths of Iranian students nor acknowledgment of the passing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei have been forthcoming. This silence reflects a troubling shift in India’s foreign policy posture.

Sri Lanka, by contrast, has demonstrated integrity and responsibility. Its navy responded to distress calls from the Iranian crew and extended assistance, while India remained passive. This lack of response undermines India’s credibility as a regional power and raises questions about whether New Delhi is aligning itself too closely with the United States and its allies. The broader context is one of American and Israeli unilateralism, which has already been evident in Gaza and now appears to extend to Iran. The pattern suggests a reassertion of colonial-style dominance under the guise of global security.

India’s position is further complicated by its economic and strategic ties. The Chabahar Port project, once celebrated as a breakthrough in India-Iran relations, has been overshadowed by American pressure. India has opened its markets to American products while facing tariffs on its own exports. Russia has provided energy support without coercion, yet India is now being nudged to buy oil from Venezuela under American terms. This raises the uncomfortable question of whether India is indirectly funding reckless wars through compliance with U.S. demands.

Public opinion in India, however, appears more skeptical of American actions than the mainstream media. Many citizens recognize that these maneuvers are aimed at controlling the Indian Ocean and isolating Russia. China, despite tensions, is not isolated; Western nations continue to engage with it. Russia remains the real target of encirclement, and India’s longstanding friendship with Moscow should not be disregarded. India could have played the role of peacemaker, but instead the government has chosen silence, leaving political parties and civil society to voice opposition.

The larger issue is whether India will continue to uphold its historical stance against colonialism and for the rights of oppressed peoples, including Palestinians, or whether it will capitulate to the pressures of the military-industrial complex. Strengthening international institutions and promoting impartiality should be India’s priority. The economic consequences of war will fall heavily on us, and it is imperative that Parliament engage in open debate on these matters. The question is whether the United States and Israel should be allowed to dictate regime change and destroy leadership structures in sovereign nations. Venezuela yesterday, Iran today—who will be next?

India’s future as an independent nation and a leader of the Global South depends on resisting narrow alignments and reaffirming its commitment to justice, sovereignty, and peace. The silence of the government in this moment of crisis is not just disappointing; it is dangerous. A frank discussion in Parliament is essential if India is to preserve its rightful place in the global community.

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*Human rights defender