The United States and Israel's combined response against Iran has quickly emerged as a watershed moment in Middle Eastern security dynamics. On March 4, the US Department of War announced that an American submarine deployed a torpedo, sinking the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off the coast of Sri Lanka, near Indian waters in the Indian Ocean. This attack has added a new maritime dimension to the fight, which had hitherto only involved air power. The strike by the US on an Iranian destroyer, billed as the first major naval casualty in the Indian Ocean since World War II, is significant in many ways for the Indian Ocean's security dynamics, as well as India's own regional interests.

Two Other Ships Waiting in Colombo
The torpedo strike occurred as the IRIS Dena was returning to Iran from the Indian Fleet Review and Exercise MILAN in Vishakhapatnam in February 2026. Following the attack and destruction of the warship, the Sri Lankan Navy and Air Force swiftly launched a search and rescue operation in accordance with international law. At least 87 individuals on board the ship died as a result of the attack. While those who have been rescued are receiving treatment in Sri Lanka, two additional Iranian warships are said to have sought safety in Colombo.Given that this occurred near India's territorial waters, and that the warship and her crew later participated in an exercise organized by the Indian Navy, New Delhi must reconsider what this development represents and how it might be best managed.
LEMOA Agreement
However, the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) signed between India and the United States in 2016 appears to have complicated matters for New Delhi. The LEMOA is intended to expedite logistical assistance, supplies, and services between the two countries for refueling and replenishment. In a word, the agreement authorizes the US to utilize Indian facilities and bases to refill and refuel its naval assets, and vice versa.At this point, when the US Navy's operations are likely to generate concern in India, New Delhi must tread carefully in balancing potential US demands for use of Indian facilities. Given President Trump's insistence on ensuring that its allies meet Washington's expectations and demands, New Delhi must step cautiously to avoid becoming a participant to this fight, even if only indirectly. This is especially important given that India's neighbours are on the verge of being entangled in the conflict. Importantly, considering its security alliance with Saudi Arabia, skepticism over Pakistan's involvement in the fight continues. Furthermore, the torpedo hit in the Indian Ocean has led many to conclude that the fight is now taking place in India's backyard.

While India and the United States have considerably advanced maritime cooperation in the framework of the larger Indo-Pacific to develop and maintain a rules-based order in the region, the most recent US attack looks to have transformed the Indian Ocean into a new hotspot in Washington's activities against Iran. This poses a significant risk of escalation of tensions in the Indian Ocean, making sea lines of communication and maritime trade routes vulnerable to disruption, with adversarial implications for New Delhi, whose interests remain deeply rooted in the preservation of a free and open regional order. India continues to face enormous challenges as its maritime neighbourhood becomes more secure.

India is the biggest player.
Given the logic of geographical embeddedness, India's maritime security plan states that the Indian Ocean should be secure and stable. Furthermore, considering the significant difference in capabilities and resources between India and other resident countries in the Indian Ocean, India is a key maritime security actor in the region. The US strike on the Iranian frigate is perhaps the closest the region has gotten to a traditional security confrontation in decades. In such a scenario, India must guarantee that long-term measures are done to maintain regional order and stability. To prevent additional violence in the Indian Ocean, New Delhi must maintain diplomatic engagement with all actors.

From air to sea?
In addition, a major trendline appears to be taking shape. The battle between the United States, Israel, and Iran is beginning to play out in the marine domain. Israel and the United States have recently used air power and missiles to launch attacks on Iran. Iran's recent declaration to close the Strait of Hormuz marked the first time the maritime realm was involved in this protracted confrontation. However, as a result of the US torpedo attack on the Iranian ship, the essence of the fight appears to be changing dramatically. The extent to which the fleets shape this confrontation will be the main question moving forward.