India Condemns Attacks on Hormuz Shipping, Urges Restoration of Free Navigation
UNITED NATIONS — India on Tuesday condemned attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, calling them unacceptable and urging the restoration of free navigation in the strategically vital waterway.
Yojna Patel, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, told the U.N. Security Council that targeting commercial shipping threatens global trade and endangers civilian lives.
“Commercial shipping must not be the target of military attacks, and such attempts are deplorable,” Patel said during a council meeting on the Middle East.
While she did not name any country directly, Patel referenced a recent Security Council resolution co-sponsored by India that condemned attacks attributed to Iran on its regional neighbors.
“It bears mention in this context that India had co-sponsored UNSC Resolution 2817, which was adopted on March 11,” she said.
The comments come amid heightened tensions in the region, with reports of attacks affecting vessels linked to multiple countries, including India. At least three Indian sailors have been killed in recent incidents involving shipping in the area.
The United States has also established a blockade in parts of the Hormuz region, further raising concerns over disruptions to maritime trade.
Patel emphasized that the safety of commercial shipping lanes is critical for India, given its heavy reliance on the Strait of Hormuz for energy imports and trade connectivity.
“We underscore that the targeting of commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members or otherwise impeding the freedom of navigation and commerce in the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable,” she said.
She noted that nearly 10 million Indians live and work in the Gulf region, making stability there a key concern for New Delhi.
“Almost 10 million Indians live and work in the Gulf region; their safety and well-being are a key priority for us,” Patel added.
Calling for restraint, Patel urged all parties to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to ease tensions.
“The Middle East is our proximate neighborhood, and we have significant stakes in the security and stability of the region,” she said. (Source: IANS)
