India has been very vocal against violence in case of merchant shipping and has exhorted all concerned with the ongoing Iran-linked conflict to maintain restraint, underlining its determination to protect civilian lives and the security of international maritime trade routes.
In his address, to an open debate of the UNSC on achieving political solutions to crises in the Middle East region, Parvathaneni Harish, who serves as the Permanent Representative of India to the UN, said that India continues to be staunchly against any kind of attack on ships and critical international waterways.
These statements were made amidst increasing concern about international shipping safety, given the overall Iran crisis which has resulted in heightened tension in the Gulf region and the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz. The waterway constitutes one of the most critical maritime routes in the world and handles a sizable amount of international oil and commercial trade traffic.
Harish added that Indian people were adversely impacted due to this clash, with some citizens reportedly killed or missing as part of the attacks on merchant ships operating in the region.
Harish emphasized the significance of protecting the lives of seamen working in ships operating in this volatile region. Moreover, Indian concerns have escalated after several distress calls from Indian crew members working on the merchant ships operating in West Asia were received.
The current situation of India is not unrelated to its interests in the Gulf countries. Several Indians reside in West Asia, with millions working in these countries.
Furthermore, a considerable proportion of the oil consumed by India travels from the Gulf nations. Thus, any disruptions in these maritime routes can pose challenges for India’s economic prosperity and stability.
The statement made by India in the UNSC aligns well with India’s diplomatic policy towards the crisis in the Middle East region. India has been actively advocating peace in the Middle East region over the past few weeks and urging all stakeholders to maintain calm and resort to peaceful conflict resolution.
In light of the growing geopolitical concerns in the region, India has made it clear that it believes the safety of merchant vessels, the preservation of the right to free navigation, and the pursuit of diplomacy should be key factors in guaranteeing stability in West Asia.
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With its intervention in the UN Security Council, India sent a message of support for global initiatives to defuse tensions in the region.
