India urges de-escalation as Hormuz attacks threaten trade and seafarers

At the UN Security Council, India called for immediate de-escalation in West Asia and condemned attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. It said secure sea lanes, Indian lives, Gaza's crisis and regional stability demand diplomacy and respect for international law.

In Short

• India's West Asia trade, energy and diaspora ties make instability costly
• Recent Hormuz vessel attacks injured Indians, killed one and left one missing
• India urged dialogue, diplomacy and lawful navigation across regional waterways

India has told the UN Security Council that the renewed escalation in West Asia is 'deeply concerning' and strongly condemned recent attacks on maritime vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. India called for immediate de-escalation and the restoration of free and unimpeded navigation and trade through international waterways in the region.

Addressing an open debate on the situation in the Middle East on Tuesday, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, said West Asia is a region of immense importance to India and its security and stability have a direct bearing on the country's economy, energy supplies and citizens living there.

Harish said, "After a brief pause in the ongoing conflict in the region, there has been a worrying resumption of attacks and escalation of hostilities. This is deeply concerning and India calls for an immediate de-escalation of tensions." He also condemned attacks on several vessels, including GFS Galaxy, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, during their transit through the Strait of Hormuz this month.

He said, "Several Indian citizens were injured, including some seriously, one Indian tragically lost his life, and one is missing, in these attacks. India has consistently condemned acts of violence targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz." He added that India strongly advocates a return to dialogue and diplomacy in the interests of peace, security and stability in the region. Harish said, "The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored."

Amid the US-Israel war against Iran, the UN has said that after attacks on commercial vessels from July 6, Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed again on July 11. The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific said daily transits, which had exceeded 100 before the conflict and had recovered to 49 by July 7, fell to as low as 8-15 by mid-July.

Harish said India's stakes in the region are high, with annual bilateral trade of around USD 180 billion, cumulative foreign direct investment of over USD 31 billion, and remittances of more than USD 52 billion from the Gulf Cooperation Council alone. He said around 10 million Indians live and work in the Gulf region and added, "Their safety and well being are a key priority for us."

Switching to Arabic, Harish said the focus on the Strait of Hormuz must not divert "our attention away from the dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip". He said the loss of civilian lives and destruction of civilian infrastructure are pressing concerns that the international community must address immediately and with urgency.

He said India remains committed to efforts that make a tangible impact on the daily lives of Palestinians, and that its development assistance amounts to around USD 175 million through development projects, humanitarian assistance and contributions to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, among others. He said, "India has been a top emerging donor of UNRWA and we have given operational flexibility to the UN Agency for utilising our contributions." Harish also referred to India's announcement earlier this month at the Palestine donor group meeting in Brussels on setting up a speciality hospital, an artificial limb fitment centre and a vocational training institute for Palestine, while noting that the construction of the Palestinian Institute of Diplomacy is among ongoing projects.

He said the international community should continue to work for a sustainable and durable political solution even as it addresses the humanitarian distress of the Palestinian people. Harish said, "India believes that a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace with Israel, within secure and recognised borders, is essential to a comprehensive and lasting solution."

On Yemen, India reaffirmed its commitment to the country's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and rejected interference in its internal affairs. Harish said, "We further condemn attacks by Houthis on maritime navigation. The protection of the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Southern Red Sea is a shared international responsibility and is a global interest." On Lebanon, India said UNIFIL peacekeepers operate in difficult conditions and must never be targeted, adding that their safety and security remain a priority. Harish said it was also important to be ready for a post-UNIFIL scenario and that the Lebanese Armed Forces must receive the required support and assistance.

India's statement at the Security Council linked the security of sea routes, the safety of Indian nationals, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, support for Palestine, and concerns over Yemen and Lebanon, while repeating its call for de-escalation, diplomacy and respect for international law across West Asia.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends