Experts say the strike highlights the risk of the conflict spreading into Asian waters and tests India’s careful diplomatic balancing
4-MIN READ4-MIN ListenBiman MukherjiandMaria SiowPublished: 6:00pm, 5 Mar 2026The sinking of an Iranian warship by a US submarine off Sri Lanka’s coast has raised concerns across South and Southeast Asia that the Middle East conflict may be expanding into the Indian Ocean, while also intensifying political pressure in India for a stronger response.Analysts said the strike’s location near key sea lanes linking Asia with the Gulf had heightened fears the conflict could spill into waters vital to regional trade while also raising doubts in New Delhi over its cautious diplomatic stance.
Sri Lankan authorities said the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena sank on Wednesday off the island’s coast, with 32 sailors rescued while more than 100 were reported missing.
Colombo said the ship went down outside Sri Lanka’s territorial waters but within its search-and-rescue zone, prompting naval vessels and aircraft to assist survivors in accordance with international maritime obligations.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the vessel was sunk by a torpedo fired from a US submarine, describing it as the first such torpedo sinking of an enemy ship since World War II.
The IRIS Dena had been in India in late February to take part in an International Fleet Review alongside vessels from 40 other countries, including the United States and Russia.
