‘War Reached India’s Doorstep’: Congress Flags Security Risks After US Hits Iran Warship Near Sri Lanka

Last Updated:March 05, 2026, 11:17 IST

According to the Congress, the sinking of the Iranian vessel represented an act of maritime warfare that had brought an “open-ended conflict” close to India.

After criticising India’s silence on the US-Israel strike on Iran, the Congress party on Thursday claimed that the ongoing West Asia conflict had “reached India’s doorstep". The remarks came after reports that an Iranian warship was sunk by a United States submarine about 40 miles off the coast of Sri Lanka.

In a post on X, Congress described the incident as a serious warning that the conflict was moving closer to India’s region.

According to the Congress, the sinking of the Iranian vessel represented an act of maritime warfare that had brought an “open-ended conflict" close to India. The party said it was deeply concerned that the United States, which India considers a key strategic partner, carried out the action without informing or consulting New Delhi.

The party noted that the same Iranian ship had participated as a guest of the Indian Navy in an international fleet review only a week earlier before being targeted soon after leaving Indian waters.

Congress said the escalation posed a direct threat to India’s national security and economy. It highlighted that India depends on imports for around 80 per cent of its energy needs, much of which passes through the Persian Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait was closed by Iran on Tuesday amid the escalating West Asia conflict.

The party warned that expanding the war to the high seas could disrupt global trade and energy supplies. It added that freight and insurance costs were already rising and could soon affect Indian citizens.

Congress calls for stronger foreign policy

The Congress criticised India’s foreign policy leadership for being too cautious in public messaging. Congress said true strategic autonomy required India to speak out when national interests were at risk.

It urged the government to officially convey its displeasure and concerns to Washington, adding that India should not allow its neighbourhood to become a battlefield for a conflict in which it has no direct stake.

Congress said India must act to protect its sovereignty and economic future. The party added that friendship with other nations should not come at the cost of national interests in a war that India is not part of.

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