India termed the growing hostilities in West Asia as "deeply concerning" and issued a strong condemnation of the recent attacks on multiple maritime vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, urging the restoration of unhindered navigation and trade through the region’s international waterways.
Describing West Asia as a region of "immense importance" for India, Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish stated that "following a brief lull in the ongoing conflict in the region, there has been a troubling renewal of attacks and an escalation of hostilities.
This is deeply concerning, and India urges an immediate de-escalation of tensions." Speaking at a UN Security Council open debate on the Situation in West Asia on July 28, Mr. Harish expressed India’s strong condemnation of attacks on multiple vessels — including the GFS Galaxy, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa — as they transited the Strait of Hormuz this month.
Several Indian nationals were injured in these attacks, some of them seriously; one Indian citizen sadly lost his life, and another is currently missing.
India has repeatedly denounced violent actions against seafarers and any disruption to free and secure passage through international waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz, he said.
India firmly calls for the resumption of dialogue and diplomatic efforts to safeguard peace, security, and stability in the region.
“Attacks on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure in the area must cease, and free, unobstructed navigation and trade through the region’s international waterways, in accordance with international law, must be reinstated as soon as possible,” Mr. Harish stated.
Amid the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, the UN has reported that after attacks on commercial ships beginning July 6, Iran once again announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on July 11.
According to the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, daily vessel transits, which had been above 100 before the hostilities and had rebounded to 49 by July 7, dropped to just 8–15 by mid-July.
Mr. Harish emphasized that India has significant interests in the region’s security and stability, pointing out that the country’s trade and energy supply chains are closely tied to West Asia.
With annual bilateral trade of roughly 180 billion dollars, cumulative Foreign Direct Investment exceeding 31 billion dollars, and remittances of over 52 billion dollars from the Gulf Cooperation Council alone, these connections have a direct impact on India’s economic health and energy security.
Approximately 10 million Indians reside and are employed in the Gulf region. "Ensuring their safety and welfare is one of our foremost priorities," he said.
India further informed the Security Council that global attention on the Strait of Hormuz must not shift focus from the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip.
He stated that India considers the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state, coexisting peacefully with Israel within secure and internationally recognized borders, to be vital for achieving a comprehensive and enduring resolution.
Regarding Yemen, India reiterated its steadfast support for the country’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and opposed any external involvement in its domestic matters.
“We also denounce the Houthi attacks on maritime navigation. Safeguarding the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the southern Red Sea is a collective international duty and serves global interests,” Mr. Harish stated.
Regarding Lebanon, India stated that UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers operate under difficult conditions while implementing UN Security Council mandates and therefore must never be treated as targets.
India has firmly denounced every attack on UNIFIL personnel, emphasizing that ensuring their safety and security is of utmost importance.
Moreover, it is crucial to prepare for a situation in which UNIFIL is no longer present, and in this regard, the Lebanese Armed Forces must be provided with the necessary support and assistance, Mr. Harish said.