Attack on Iranian ship: Centre displaying subservience to U.S., says Pinarayi

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday slammed the Centre’s approach to the U.S. attack on Iranian frigate IRIS Dena as “a display of subservience to the U.S.” The incident that took place close to Indian waters is a serious breach of international propriety.

The transformation of the Indian Ocean region into a battlefield poses a challenge to peace and security in the region, Mr. Vijayan said.

Mr. Vijayan was critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central government for not coming out with a clear response to the attack.

From the time of Independence, India has given importance to peace and a policy of non-alignment. All who oppose war would expect India to engage in active diplomacy to prevent the current West Asian situation from escalating, Mr. Vijayan said.

The Chief Minister also urged the Centre to to ensure the safety of the Keralite expatriate population in West Asian nations.