New Delhi warns against targeting commercial vessels, calls for restoration of free navigation in crucial Gulf trade route…reports Asian Lite News
India has strongly condemned attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, calling them unacceptable and urging the restoration of free and safe navigation through the strategically crucial waterway.
Addressing the Security Council on Tuesday, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative Yojna Patel said commercial vessels and civilian crews must never become targets of military action.
“Commercial shipping must not be the target of military attacks, and such attempts are deplorable,” Patel told the Council during a meeting on the situation in the Middle East convened by Council President Bahrain.
Without directly naming Iran, Patel referred to Tehran’s actions in the region and recalled that India had co sponsored a UNSC resolution introduced by Bahrain condemning attacks on Middle Eastern countries.
“It bears mention in this context that India had co sponsored UNSC Resolution 2817, which was adopted on March 11,” she said.
The remarks come amid rising tensions in the Gulf region, where Iran has reportedly targeted Indian linked vessels and ships connected to other nations. In some of the attacks on commercial shipping, at least three Indian sailors have been killed.
Patel also highlighted concerns over the growing military tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where the US has established a blockade presence amid escalating regional hostilities.
“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.
India stressed that uninterrupted movement through the Strait of Hormuz is critical for its economic and energy interests, given the country’s heavy trade and energy dependence on the Gulf region.
Patel noted that the maritime route serves as a vital connectivity corridor for India’s trade and energy supply chains.
“Almost 10 million Indians live and work in the Gulf region, their safety and well being are a key priority for us,” she added.
Calling for restraint and diplomatic engagement, Patel urged all sides to prioritise dialogue to prevent further escalation in the region.
“The Middle East is our proximate neighbourhood, and we have significant stakes in the security and stability of the region,” she said.
