The Congress party has expressed concern over the US strikes on Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in international waters off Sri Lanka, resulting in the deaths of at least 87 people.
The party stated that the incident has expanded the conflict to India's immediate vicinity, risking further escalation.
As the sailors of the frigate were honoured guests of India, having participated in the International Fleet Review and MILAN 2026 in India until February 25, 2026, the Congress attacked the BJP-led central government for its silence on the matter.
The party claimed that the attack cannot credibly meet the established criteria for self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which require demonstrable necessity, proportionality, and clear attribution to a specific armed attack.
The Congress stated that the BJP government's silence is an abdication of India's responsibilities as a maritime power, given India's consistent role as a Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
