India Condemns Ship Attacks In Strait Of Hormuz, Calls For Immediate Restoration Of Safe Navigation
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India has condemned attacks on commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, calling such incidents deplorable and urging the immediate restoration of safe and uninterrupted navigation through the strategic waterway.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council debate on the Middle East, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Yojna Patel, said the Strait of Hormuz is of major importance to India’s energy and economic security, and commercial shipping must not become a target of military attacks.
She said Indian seafarers had lost their lives during the conflict and that targeting merchant ships and putting civilian crew members at risk was unacceptable.
Patel said international law protecting commercial shipping must be fully respected and freedom of navigation through the strait must not be obstructed.
She added that India had co-sponsored UN Security Council Resolution 2817, adopted on March 11, and called for an early return of safe and unimpeded movement of global trade through the Strait of Hormuz.
She said recent developments in the Middle East have serious consequences for international security, economic stability, energy supplies, food security, trade and global supply chains. She added that the debate was timely given the scale of concerns in the region.
Patel said India has major interests in the Gulf, with nearly 10 million Indians living and working there, making regional security a priority for New Delhi. She said India has consistently called for dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation since the conflict began on February 28.
She urged all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritise civilian safety, while also stressing respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.
India also raised concern over the safety of seafarers in the region. Patel said innocent crew members should not be endangered and warned that attacks on merchant ships threaten maritime trade and global commerce.
Cd’A @PatelYojna delivered
’s statement at the @UN Security Council on the Situation in the Middle East. @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/x3qZcdN0N8
— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) April 29, 2026
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also raised concerns over risks to shipping and seafarers. He said maritime routes must remain open and civilian mariners are not part of any conflict and their rights and safety must be protected.
According to UN estimates cited during the debate, thousands of seafarers remain stranded at sea as ships face rising risks in the region.
India also pointed to measures taken to support mariners affected by the crisis, including a round-the-clock helpline run by the Directorate General of Shipping that has handled distress calls and queries linked to the tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important shipping routes, carrying a major share of global oil and gas supplies. Any disruption there has implications for tanker traffic, trade and energy markets worldwide.
Patel did not name any country directly, but her comments came as tensions involving Iran and the United States continue to affect maritime security.
Additionally, Iran has lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations, accusing the US of piracy following the seizure of Iranian vessels.
According to Iranian state media Tasnim, Iran’s UN envoy Amir Saeid Iravani sent a letter to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council challenging the legal basis for the interceptions.
In the letter, Iravani said reliance on domestic arrangements could not justify what he described as an illegal use of force at sea.
Patel said the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank remains a concern, citing continued civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. She reiterated India’s support for a two-state solution and lasting peace in the region.
On Lebanon, India condemned attacks on UN peacekeepers serving in UNIFIL and said those responsible must be held accountable.
Patel recalled India had piloted UN Security Council Resolution 2589 on accountability for crimes against peacekeepers and welcomed the ceasefire announcement in Lebanon.
On Syria, she reiterated India’s support for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process and said the Middle East should not remain a region defined by conflict.
References: republicworld, financialexpress
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