India Slams Attack on Merchant Shipping Vessels; Calls for Lasting Peace in Region

India has voiced serious concern over the increasing frequency of attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf, cautioning that a broader conflict in West Asia poses a significant threat to critical trade and energy corridors. Addressing the UN Security Council, India’s Ambassador to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, called on all involved parties to prioritize diplomatic avenues to mitigate further escalation.

The Ambassador underscored the potential impact of the unfolding crisis on the nearly ten million Indian nationals residing in the Gulf region. Emphasizing that stability in West Asia is essential for both regional security and the global economy, New Delhi signaled the urgent need for de-escalation to protect its citizens and maintain the integrity of vital supply chains.

India and West Asia conflict at UN: international peace and security focus

Reiterating India’s stance on recent events in West Asia, Ambassador Harish appealed to all sides to show restraint. India called for de-escalation, stressed the urgent need to protect civilians, and backed political solutions through mediation, dialogue and sustained diplomatic efforts within the UN framework and beyond.

Condemning maritime attacks, Ambassador Harish said, "India is also firmly opposed to attacks on merchant shipping as many of our nationals are prominent in its global workforce. Many Indian nationals have lost their lives or are missing as a result of attacks against countries of the region and against merchant vessels and sea lanes of communication."

India, West Asia tensions and international peace and security challenges

Expanding on this concern, Ambassador Harish noted that "The intensification of the conflict and its spread to other nations have evoked great anxiety. The mounting destruction and deaths and cessation of normal life and economic activities have deeply impacted India, a proximate neighbour with critical stakes in the security and stability of the region," highlighting India’s exposure to regional shocks.

India underlined that almost ten million Indian nationals in the Gulf depend on calm conditions for their livelihoods. Ambassador Harish said their safety and welfare remain a top priority for New Delhi, which closely monitors developments and engages regional partners to reduce risks to citizens and communities.

India also pointed to economic risks from instability, explaining that "Our trade and energy supply chains are dependent on stability in the region and any major disruption has serious consequences for the Indian economy". India therefore urged all actors to avoid blocking navigation or harming commercial shipping in these waters.

Setting out India’s broader approach, Ambassador Harish said India again called for open sea lanes, protection of civilian infrastructure and an early halt to fighting. India stated that people across West Asia deserve sustained peace and normalcy and "India stands fully ready to contribute towards realising this goal in order to secure peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of the region and beyond," while also urging the UN to stay agile as it faces terrorism, supply chain shocks, economic crises, demographic pressures and emerging technology risks to international peace and security.

With inputs from ANI