India: Security

March 2026 | 256 topics | 504 sources

Summary

March 2026 saw a significant escalation of military conflict in the Indian Ocean and Strait of Hormuz, directly impacting Indian security and economic interests. The United States military conducted multiple operations against Iranian naval assets, destroying minelayers in the Strait of Hormuz and sinking the Iranian warship IRIS Dena with a torpedo in the Indian Ocean as it returned from exercises with India. An Israeli airstrike also killed Iranian naval commander Alireza Tangsiri. These events were followed by an alleged Iranian ballistic missile attack on a joint U.S.-U.K. base in the Indian Ocean, which Iran denied. Concurrently, several India-linked commercial vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, injuring crew members and damaging ships.

In response, the Indian Navy deployed additional warships to the Strait of Hormuz to escort and protect India-flagged vessels, including gas carriers, and responded to the distress call from the sinking IRIS Dena. India condemned attacks on commercial shipping and is considering formal naval escorts due to economic consequences. Domestically, the National Investigation Agency arrested six Ukrainian nationals and one American citizen, Matthew VanDyke, for allegedly conspiring to carry out terror activities using drones, a move criticized by Ukraine. Separately, an Indian Air Force Sukhoi-30 fighter jet crashed in Assam during a training mission, killing both pilots.

Domestic and International Topics

186 topics | 504 sources

Filter topics

Week:

Min:

Sort:

India's naval response to Iran-US tensions in the Strait of Hormuz

Reports say US submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean

Multiple reports state a U.S. submarine torpedoed and sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. The ship was reportedly returning from military drills with India, which is an ally of Israel. Pete Hegseth confirmed the incident, and the sinking has raised concerns that the Indian Ocean could become a new front in a wider conflict. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Khatibzadeh has been mentioned in related coverage.

Mar 7

Iranian warship sunk by US after returning from Indian naval exercise

An Iranian warship, the IRIS Dena, was sunk by a US torpedo. The ship was returning to Iran after participating in a naval exercise hosted by India, and reports say 87 people were killed. India's navy says it responded to a distress call from the ship and deployed aircraft and a vessel to join search operations. Some reports say India had earlier offered the ship shelter, and residents of the Indian port city of Vizag expressed shock over the sinking.

Mar 15

Indian Navy sends warships to escort vessels through Strait of Hormuz

The Indian Navy is deploying additional warships to the Strait of Hormuz to guide and protect India-flagged commercial vessels through the waterway. Reports indicate the Navy is escorting ships, including very large gas carriers, and is monitoring other India-bound vessels in the area. This operation aims to ensure the safe passage of dozens of Indian ships that are currently navigating or waiting to transit the strait. The Navy has dispatched multiple task forces and is considering further options to assist vessels that may be stuck.

Mar 23

India's ships face attacks and safe passage in Strait of Hormuz

Several ships connected to India were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for oil shipments. One oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members was hit, injuring four people, and a cargo ship bound for India caught fire after an attack. Iran, which controls the strait, then granted safe passage to Indian vessels. Officials said their embassy tried to help after two Indian gas carriers crossed the area. The U.S. energy secretary suggested India could help secure the strait.

Mar 26

India condemns ship attacks in Strait of Hormuz, considers naval escort

Mar 208 src

Escalating US-Iran conflict and regional military strikes

US military destroys Iranian vessels in Strait of Hormuz

The US military destroyed multiple Iranian vessels described as minelayers in the Strait of Hormuz. The operation involved A-10 Warthog aircraft, which are known for their powerful 30mm cannons. Separately, an Israeli airstrike killed Alireza Tangsiri, an Iranian naval commander. Some reports referred to Tangsiri as the 'man who ran the Strait of Hormuz'.

Mar 30

Iran reportedly fired missiles at a joint US-UK base in the Indian Ocean

Multiple reports state that Iran fired ballistic missiles at a joint U.S. and U.K. military base located in the Indian Ocean. However, Iran has denied carrying out the attack, according to a report from Al Jazeera. The incident, reported by outlets including Iran's Mehr news agency, highlights a potential expansion of regional tensions.

Mar 22