Jammu, March 5,2026 : Omar Abdullah on Thursday expressed concern over the reported sinking of an Iranian warship, noting that the vessel and its crew had recently visited India as participants in a multinational naval exercise.
The incident comes amid rising tensions in West Asia after a US submarine reportedly torpedoed and sank an Iranian warship in international waters off the coast of Sri Lanka on Wednesday. The vessel was returning from the MILAN Naval Exercise hosted by the Indian Navy.
Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Abdullah described the development as unfortunate and said the Iranian vessel had visited India as a guest for the exercise.
“It is unfortunate that an attack was carried out on the Iranian warship. They were our guests and had come here for a naval exercise. While returning, it was attacked. In some way, our country is also being dragged into this situation. What will happen in the future is beyond my jurisdiction,” he said.
The chief minister said the government was closely coordinating with the Centre to ensure the safety of residents of Jammu and Kashmir currently in Iran, including students studying there. He added that efforts are underway to formulate a plan for their safe return if required.
Abdullah also appealed for calm in the Union Territory and urged people not to allow the situation to disturb peace. A day earlier, he had met members of civil society and religious leaders in Srinagar to discuss the evolving situation and ensure communal harmony.
“The elements trying to disturb the atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir should not be allowed to take advantage of the situation,” he said.
Responding to the development in Bihar politics, Abdullah said the decision of Nitish Kumar to file a nomination for the Rajya Sabha was an internal matter of the Bihar government and its allies. He also recalled Kumar’s past association with the opposition INDIA bloc and wished him well.
Commenting on political developments in Nepal, where general elections are underway following the fall of the government led by K P Sharma Oli last year, Abdullah said elections are vital for the proper functioning of democracy.
He also highlighted the J&K government’s push for entrepreneurship, stating that initiatives such as Mission YUVA are helping promote a startup culture, with increased funding now reaching educational institutions to support innovation and business development among youth.
