India Condemns Ship Attacks In Strait Of Hormuz, Calls For Immediate Restoration Of Safe Navigation
Our take
The recent condemnation by India regarding the attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz highlights a significant and urgent issue affecting global maritime safety. With thousands of seafarers stranded at sea amid rising risks, as noted in UN reports, the call for immediate restoration of safe navigation could not be more pressing. This situation is not merely a regional concern; it reverberates through global supply chains and highlights the precarious nature of maritime security in a strategically vital corridor. The implications of such unrest extend beyond the immediate threat to lives and vessels; they affect economies and the flow of goods worldwide.
In a related piece, “No One Could Sleep”: Indian Seafarers Recall Nightly Missile Strikes After Returning From Month-Long Hormuz Ordeal, we learn about the harrowing experiences of Indian seafarers caught in the crossfire. Their testimonies serve as powerful reminders of the human cost associated with geopolitical strife. The emotional and psychological toll on these individuals, who often face life-threatening situations, cannot be overstated. Moreover, the loss of at least three Indian seafarers underscores the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to maritime security that prioritizes the safety of those who venture into these perilous waters.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint, with a significant percentage of the world’s oil passing through it. Disruptions in this area threaten not only the safety of seafarers but also global energy markets and economic stability. The urgency of India's call for immediate measures to restore safe navigation reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of maritime safety and global commerce. This situation prompts an important question: how can international coalitions strengthen maritime security to ensure the safety of navigation and protect the lives of those who work at sea?
Furthermore, India's stance emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts among nations to address the underlying issues contributing to maritime instability. The increasing frequency of attacks in the region raises concerns about the effectiveness of current security frameworks. A long-term strategy that encompasses diplomatic engagement, enhanced surveillance, and regional partnerships will be crucial. International organizations and maritime authorities must work together to establish protocols that can mitigate risks and foster a safer maritime environment.
As we look to the future, the ongoing developments in the Strait of Hormuz will be critical to monitor. Will nations come together to create a robust maritime security framework that not only addresses immediate threats but also anticipates future challenges? The answer to this question could define the safety of global shipping lanes and the welfare of countless seafarers who rely on secure passage to fulfill their vital roles in international trade. The world watches as this situation unfolds, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes human life and the integrity of global maritime operations.
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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