The sinking of an Iranian warship by a US submarine near Sri Lanka has raised concerns about the security of the wider Indian Ocean region, with a Sri Lankan lawmaker warning that the incident could also have implications for India.
Sri Lankan Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa said the incident highlights how the ongoing war involving Iran is beginning to affect the wider Indian Ocean region.
The Iranian frigate IRIS Dena was sunk on Wednesday after a torpedo fired by a US submarine struck the vessel in international waters within Sri Lanka's search and rescue zone.
Sri Lankan authorities said the navy recovered 87 bodies and rescued 32 sailors after responding to a distress call from the ship.
Search operations are continuing for dozens of missing crew members.
Rajapaksa questioned whether Sri Lanka's government had prior knowledge of the US military operation and said authorities must clarify the matter publicly.
He added that transparency was necessary if Colombo had been aware of military movements in waters close to Sri Lanka.
Rajapaksa said the development should prompt broader discussions among countries in South Asia, including India, about security in the Indian Ocean.
