WASHINGTON, April 17: India has strongly condemned the targeting of commercial shipping during the West Asia conflict and called for the immediate restoration of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly, India’s Permanent Representative Harish Parvathaneni described such attacks as “deplorable” and stressed that ensuring uninterrupted maritime trade is critical for India’s energy and economic security.
India emphasized that attacks on commercial vessels and threats to civilian crew members are unacceptable and violate international law.
It urged all parties to respect freedom of navigation and restore normal shipping operations through the strait at the earliest. The country also expressed concern over the deaths of Indian seafarers during the conflict, highlighting the human cost of disruptions in the region.
The remarks came during a UN General Assembly debate on the Middle East situation, triggered after Russia and China vetoed a Bahrain-backed resolution in the UN Security Council calling for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
India reiterated its consistent position since the conflict began on February 28, urging restraint, de-escalation, and a focus on diplomacy. It also called on nations to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity while addressing the root causes of tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, is a crucial passage for global oil and gas supplies. Its near closure has severely disrupted international trade.
According to UN agencies, ship traffic through the strait dropped dramatically—from about 130 vessels per day in February to just six in March—representing a decline of roughly 95%.
Antonio Guterres warned that disruptions in such a key chokepoint could have devastating global consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The United Nations has also cautioned that prolonged instability could lead to widespread economic hardship, affecting energy markets, transportation systems, and global supply chains.
Overall, India’s statement underscores the urgent need to restore stability in the region, safeguard maritime trade, and prevent further escalation that could deepen the global economic and humanitarian impact. (PTI)
