India has urged Middle East de-escalation and strongly condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure, commercial shipping and seafarers amid rising regional tensions. Addressing a United Nations Security Council debate on Thursday, October 15, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, called for restraint, immediate de-escalation and conflict resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
Parvathaneni described the escalation as deeply worrying, stressing that regional stability was essential for the safety and well-being of people across the Middle East.
India Condemns Attacks on Ships and Civilian Infrastructure
India condemned recent attacks on civilian infrastructure, including airports in Saudi Arabia, which reportedly caused deaths, including that of Indian citizen Mohammad Yousef Ali in Riyadh.
Parvathaneni expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and called for an end to attacks on commercial ships and seafarers. He also emphasised the importance of freedom of navigation and the safe, unhindered movement of maritime trade through international waterways in accordance with international law.
The ambassador highlighted attacks involving several commercial vessels, including the India-flagged MV DP World Cauvery, MT Petro Dolphin, MT Valthera, MT On Peace and MT Kazimah III. He said the safety of Indian seafarers aboard affected vessels remained a priority.
India also thanked authorities in Oman and the United Arab Emirates for assisting in efforts to protect Indian crew members.
India and Liberia Launch Shipping Safety Initiative
India and Liberia launched the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers during the UN General Assembly's high-level week in September. According to Parvathaneni, 23 member states had joined the initiative to strengthen coordination and support practical measures to protect maritime workers.
He also recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposal for a Seafarers Emergency Support Network at the BRICS Leaders' Summit in New Delhi. The proposed network could help coordinate distress alerts, medical assistance, evacuation support and communication between seafarers and their families.
Maritime shipping accounts for approximately four-fifths of global trade, making the security of international sea routes a major concern for the global economy.
India Calls for Peace in Gaza, Yemen and Lebanon
India reiterated its support for Yemen's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity while condemning attacks on maritime navigation, particularly around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the southern Red Sea.
On Gaza, India stressed that the maritime security crisis must not overshadow humanitarian suffering. It called for humanitarian relief, dialogue and a negotiated two-state solution, while reiterating its condemnation of terrorism.
India also highlighted its support for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, citing cumulative contributions exceeding $52 million.
Regarding Lebanon, India condemned attacks on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers and stressed that UN personnel and premises must be protected.
India Calls for Diplomatic Efforts and Lasting Stability
India's position at the UN focused on protecting civilians, securing maritime trade and ensuring the safety of seafarers and peacekeepers. New Delhi called for coordinated international action to prevent further loss of life and destruction of civilian infrastructure.
India maintained that dialogue, humanitarian assistance and diplomacy remain essential to achieving lasting peace across the Middle East.
For official statements and diplomatic updates, visit the Ministry of External Affairs.
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