India has expressed serious concern over the renewed escalation of hostilities in West Asia, calling for an immediate reduction in tensions during an open debate at the United Nations Security Council.

Addressing the Council, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, said the resumption of attacks after a brief period of relative calm was "deeply concerning" and emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability in the region.

India Condemns Attacks on Commercial Ships

India strongly condemned recent attacks on commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, describing them as a threat to international shipping and maritime security.

Harish referred to attacks on vessels including GFS Galaxy, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, noting that several Indian citizens were injured, one Indian national lost his life and another remains missing.

India urged all parties to end attacks targeting commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure and called for the restoration of free and unimpeded navigation and commerce in accordance with international law.

Strategic Importance of West Asia for India

India highlighted its strong economic and people-to-people ties with West Asia, underlining why stability in the region is of critical importance.

According to India's statement:

• Annual bilateral trade with the region is approximately $180 billion.
• Cumulative foreign direct investment exceeds $31 billion.
• Annual remittances from Gulf Cooperation Council countries are more than $52 billion.
• Around 10 million Indians live and work across the Gulf region.

India said ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad remains a key priority.

Focus Must Remain on Gaza

India also urged the international community not to allow concerns over maritime security to overshadow the humanitarian crisis in Gaza Strip.

The country called attention to the continuing loss of civilian lives and destruction of civilian infrastructure, stressing the need for urgent humanitarian assistance.

India noted that its development assistance to the Palestinian people totals approximately $175 million and reaffirmed its commitment to initiatives aimed at improving the lives of civilians.

Support for a Two-State Solution

Reiterating its long-standing position, India said lasting peace in the region requires a political solution based on the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state living peacefully alongside Israel within secure and internationally recognized borders.

India described this approach as essential for achieving a comprehensive and durable resolution to the conflict.

Remarks on Yemen and Lebanon

India also addressed broader regional security concerns.

On Yemen, New Delhi reaffirmed support for the country's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity while condemning attacks on maritime navigation by the Houthis. India emphasized that protecting the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the southern Red Sea is a shared international responsibility.

Regarding Lebanon, India condemned attacks on personnel serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), stressing that peacekeepers must never be targeted. It also called for continued support to the Lebanese Armed Forces in preparation for any future transition.

Why This Matters

India's statement reflects its broader foreign policy priorities in West Asia, balancing concerns over regional stability, maritime security, humanitarian issues and the safety of millions of Indian nationals living and working in the Gulf. With the Strait of Hormuz serving as one of the world's most critical energy shipping routes, continued instability has implications for global trade, energy markets and international security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did India raise concerns at the UN Security Council?

India expressed concern over renewed violence in West Asia and called for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.

What did India say about the Strait of Hormuz?

India condemned attacks on commercial vessels and urged the restoration of free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law.

Why is West Asia important to India?

The region is a major source of energy imports, trade, investment and remittances, and around 10 million Indians live and work in Gulf countries.

What is India's position on Gaza?

India called for urgent humanitarian assistance and reiterated support for a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace.

What did India say about Yemen and Lebanon?

India reaffirmed support for Yemen's sovereignty, condemned attacks on maritime navigation, and called for the protection of UN peacekeepers and support for Lebanon's armed forces.