India, which views itself as a key security provider in the Indian Ocean, faced a stark reality this week when it was unable to safeguard its guest warship amid escalating tensions in the region. The incident has cast doubt on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent assertions about India’s naval dominance and strategic influence.
On Wednesday, the Iranian warship IRIS Dena was torpedoed by a US submarine approximately 44 nautical miles off southern Sri Lanka, as it was returning from naval exercises hosted by India. The warship had participated in the “Milan” multilateral naval drill, and Indian President Droupadi Murmu had earlier posed with Iranian sailors during the event.
However, the Indian Navy responded only after more than a day, issuing a formal statement acknowledging the distress signals from the Dena but not criticizing the US attack. US officials confirmed that the submarine sank the vessel in what they described as a targeted operation, with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stating that the Iranian ship “thought it was safe in international waters” but was instead “quietly sunk.”
Iran expressed outrage over the attack, emphasizing that the IRIS Dena was “a guest of India’s navy,” returning after participating in the joint exercises. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi warned that the US would “bitterly regret” the precedent set by the attack. The sinking resulted in the deaths of over 80 Iranian sailors, many of whom had posed for photos and participated in parades during their two-week visit.
A Blow to India’s Self-Image as a Regional Security Power
Analysts and retired Indian naval officers say this incident exposes the limitations of India’s influence in its own maritime backyard. Former officials note that India’s image as a “guardian” of the Indian Ocean has been undermined, revealing the reach of US military power and the vulnerabilities of the region.
Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, a former Indian naval chief, remarked that the Indian Ocean, once considered relatively safe, is now threatened by the unfolding US-Iran conflict. “The liberty we enjoyed in the Indian Ocean has shrunk,” he said, highlighting that the US attack has reached India’s doorstep.
The Indian Navy’s delayed response—more than 24 hours after the attack—has further fueled criticism. Many see India as being caught in a strategic catch-22: either being aware of the US operation and appearing complicit or being blindsided, which raises questions about India’s intelligence and strategic autonomy.
India’s Diplomatic Dilemma and Regional Credibility
Indian strategic experts argue that the incident marks a “strategic embarrassment” for India, weakening its credibility as a regional security provider. The government’s near-silence and lack of condemnation of the US action have drawn criticism from opposition parties and analysts.
Indian military historian Srinath Raghavan noted that India’s response—particularly Modi’s recent visit to Israel just days before the attack—has shown a tilt towards aligning with US and Israeli interests, at the expense of its traditional ties with Iran. Raghavan emphasized that India’s diplomatic positioning, including its limited response to Iran’s retaliation, has diminished its standing in West Asia.
Shifting Regional Dynamics and India’s Strategic Autonomy
Historically, India championed a policy of non-alignment during the Cold War, but it now describes its stance as “strategic autonomy.” Nonetheless, recent actions—such as Modi’s visit to Israel and limited official response to Iran’s loss—suggest a closer alignment with the US and its allies.
Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of abandoning India’s national interests, criticizing its “reckless” foreign policy choices. Experts warn that this incident could have long-term repercussions, undermining India’s regional influence and credibility in the Middle East.
As the Indian Ocean becomes a more contested space, India faces the challenge of balancing its strategic partnerships while safeguarding its maritime security and regional standing amid expanding US military reach.