Iranian sailors who shared smiles in India during MILAN 2026 now mourned after IRIS Dena tragedy

Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh): Just days ago, sailors aboard the Iranian warship IRIS Dena were strolling along the shores of Rushikonda Beach and admiring the sweeping views from Kailasagiri Hills. Today, those moments remain among the final memories of their visit to India.
 

The Iranian crew had spent several days in Visakhapatnam while taking part in the multinational naval exercise MILAN 2026, interacting warmly with residents and exploring some of the coastal city’s most well-known landmarks.

Between February 15 and 25, the sailors joined cultural tours arranged under the Incredible India programme, giving them an opportunity to experience the country beyond their professional naval engagements.

Some crew members travelled further afield to Agra, where they visited the iconic Taj Mahal and other historic sites, immersing themselves in India’s heritage.

Images and videos of the sailors laughing, walking along the beach and mingling with locals soon began circulating widely on social media.

"They (Iranians) were friendly young sailors, taking selfies with locals and enjoying the hospitality of Vizag," Sohan Hatangadi, a resident who met some of them during their visit, recalled.

During their stay, the crew also visited the city’s war memorial, the submarine museum and several other attractions. Some spent time at Sankalp Art Village on the outskirts of the city, while others were seen browsing shops for traditional Indian textiles.

At the MILAN pavilion, the sailors often relaxed over tea and snacks, chatting with naval personnel and visitors.

The warship carried around 180 personnel and was part of Iran’s Moudge-class frigates.

According to a defence official, the Iranian naval delegation included Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, and Abuzar Zarri, the commanding officer of IRIS Dena.

"During the MILAN 2026 exercise, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, interacted with Rear Admiral Shahram Irani as part of engagements among participating navies," the official told PTI.

The discussions also reflected continuing cooperation among regional navies under the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), including collaboration through its working groups and the IONS Maritime Exercise (IMEX), the official added.

MILAN 2026 brought together navies from around the world in the Bay of Bengal for joint exercises and cooperation aimed at strengthening maritime security.

But the sailors’ journey home ended in tragedy.

A US submarine on Wednesday torpedoed and sank the Iranian warship in international waters off Sri Lanka’s coast while it was returning after participating in the naval exercise, leaving several sailors dead in the high seas.

For many residents of Visakhapatnam, the smiling faces they met only days ago are now memories tinged with sorrow. 

PTI