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

The Indian government clarified that the IRIS Dena, a vessel from the Israeli Navy, was not considered 'India's guest' after its departure from India on February 25. This clarification follows the ship's participation in the International Fleet Review (IFR) held in Visakhapatnam from February 16 to February 25. The timing of this statement gained significance as it preceded the US-Israeli military attack on Iran, which occurred on February 28. Government sources emphasized that the IRIS Dena's presence in India was strictly for the naval event and did not imply any diplomatic or military affiliations post-departure. This clarification aims to dispel any misconceptions regarding the ship's status and the nature of Indo-Israeli naval cooperation amid rising tensions in the region. The IFR was a showcase of naval strength and international partnerships, and the attendance of the IRIS Dena was seen as part of this broader effort to enhance maritime security and cooperation among nations. However, the government seeks to maintain a neutral stance concerning ongoing geopolitical conflicts, underscoring that the ship's operations are separate from any military actions that may follow its departure.