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United Nations. India has strongly condemned the recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), expressing deep concern over the rising tensions and violence in West Asia. India also demanded early resumption of safe and uninterrupted navigation and trade on international sea routes. India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Parvataneni Harish said in the Security Council meeting that West Asia is a very important region for India and the recent increase in attacks is a matter of grave concern. He appealed to all parties to immediately reduce tensions and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy.

Indians also affected in attacks on ships

India condemned the attacks this month on several commercial ships, including GFS Galaxy, MT Al Bayhiyah and MT Mombasa, saying several Indian nationals were injured in these incidents. The condition of some of them is critical, while one Indian citizen has died and another is still missing. India said targeting seafarers and disrupting safe navigation on international sea routes is completely unacceptable.

Appeal to restore maritime trade soon

India told the Security Council that attacks on commercial ships and civilian infrastructure should stop immediately. Also, in accordance with international law, safe navigation and global trade in the Strait of Hormuz should be normalized as soon as possible.

Why is West Asia important for India?

India said that West Asia is the main center of its energy security and trade. Bilateral trade between India and the region is about $180 billion every year. Apart from this, foreign direct investment (FDI) of more than $31 billion and annual remittances of more than $52 billion from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are important for India’s economy. India also pointed out that about one crore Indians live and work in the Gulf countries, whose security is among the top priorities of the government.

Concern also expressed on Gaza crisis

India also said in the Security Council that the world’s attention should not be limited only to the Strait of Hormuz. The international community must also take immediate effective action on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, the deaths of civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. India reiterated that dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law are the most effective path to lasting peace and stability in the region.

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