IRIS Dena was not 'India's guest' after leaving on Feb 25: Govt sources

The Indian government has clarified that the US Navy's ship, IRIS Dena, was not considered 'India's guest' following its departure from Visakhapatnam on February 25. This statement comes in light of the ship's participation in the International Fleet Review (IFR) held from February 16 to February 25. The clarification follows the timing of a significant geopolitical event—the US-Israeli attack on Iran, which occurred just three days later, on February 28. Officials emphasized that the ship's visit was part of a scheduled maritime exercise and did not imply any formal diplomatic status or invitation from India. This clarification is crucial amid rising tensions and international scrutiny regarding military collaborations in the region. The IFR, a biennial event, showcases naval power and strengthens maritime partnerships, but the recent developments have raised questions about the implications of such military engagements against the backdrop of global conflicts.