Middle East conflict: Ship crew rescue puts Sri Lanka and India in delicate diplomatic predicament

Sri Lanka and India have granted refuge to 434 Iranian sailors from three naval vessels that were either targeted or threatened by the United States, posing a complex diplomatic challenge as the conflict extends into the Indian Ocean.

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This development unfolded after the ships participated in a naval exercise hosted by India off the coast of Visakhapatnam, which coincided with the onset of US and Israeli bombing campaigns in Iran.

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The predicament of dealing with the ships and their crew has prompted legal officials in Sri Lanka and India to thoroughly examine conventions and maritime laws, cautious of potential repercussions from the US.

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The IRIS Dena, an Iranian frigate, was sunk by a US submarine-fired torpedo just outside Sri Lanka's territorial waters on Wednesday, resulting in the loss of at least 84 lives out of the 130 to 180 sailors on board.

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Sri Lankan rescue efforts saved 32 survivors, many of whom have since been discharged from hospital and are being hosted at the Koggala air force base in the southern part of the island.

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The IRIS Lavan, an Iranian amphibious landing ship, docked at India's southern port of Kochi on Wednesday with 183 sailors aboard, who are now being hosted in Indian naval facilities.

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The IRIS Bushehr, an Iranian supply vessel, entered Sri Lankan waters on Thursday, carrying 219 crew members, with 15 remaining on board to assist the Sri Lankan navy, which has assumed full control of the vessel.

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The total number of Iranian sailors currently being hosted by Sri Lanka stands at 251.

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The decision to host the Iranian sailors has been justified by Sri Lanka and India on humanitarian grounds, with both nations maintaining a neutral stance in the Middle East conflict.

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Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the value of human life, stating, "Our approach is that every life is as precious as our own," while also navigating the country's close ties with the US and Iran.

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Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar addressed the issue in parliament, saying, "We believe that this was the right thing to do and the Iranian Foreign Minister has expressed his country's thanks for this humane gesture."

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Despite reports suggesting Washington is pressuring Sri Lanka not to repatriate the Iranians, a US State Department spokesperson stated that the fate of the sailors is ultimately up to Colombo, adding, "The United States, of course, respects and recognises Sri Lanka's sovereignty in the handling of this situation."

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Sri Lanka is keeping the sailors from the two vessels separate due to the applicability of different international conventions, with the 32 survivors of the IRIS Dena being subject to international humanitarian law, which would allow for repatriation if desired.

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In contrast, the 219 sailors from the IRIS Bushehr fall under the 1907 Hague Convention, which obliges Sri Lanka to detain them and their vessel until the end of hostilities, with the sailors being held in a naval base north of Colombo.

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A senior Sri Lankan administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that the two groups must be treated differently under treaty obligations, and that Colombo has sought assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross.

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The official added that Sri Lanka will adhere to the Hague Convention, which stipulates that a neutral power must intern troops belonging to belligerent armies that are received on its territory.

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The Sri Lankan government has announced plans to repatriate the 84 recovered bodies from the IRIS Dena to Iran once logistical arrangements are in place.

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Indian authorities are likely to follow a similar approach with the IRIS Lavan and its crew, although India has not publicly addressed the status or fate of its Iranian guests.