At UNSC, India Slams Attacks On Strait Of Hormuz Shipping

NEW YORK, NY- India has condemned attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, calling them unacceptable and urging the restoration of free navigation through one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes.

Addressing the United Nations Security Council on April 28, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Yojna Patel, said, “Commercial shipping must not be the target of military attacks, and such attempts are deplorable.”

Patel did not name any country directly, but referred to Iran while recalling that India had co-sponsored a Security Council resolution introduced by Bahrain condemning Tehran’s attacks on its Middle East neighbors.

“It bears mention in this context that India had co-sponsored UNSC resolution 2817, which was adopted on 11th March,” she said.

India has faced direct consequences from the tensions in the region. Iranian attacks have previously struck Indian ships and a vessel bound for India, while at least three Indian sailors have been killed in attacks involving ships from other countries.

“We underscore that the targeting of commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members or otherwise impeding the freedom of navigation and commerce in the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable,” Patel told the meeting convened by Bahrain, which holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council for April, on the situation in the Middle East.

She said unimpeded shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is vital for India because it connects the country to a region central to its trade and energy supply chains.

“Almost 10 million Indians live and work in the Gulf region; their safety and well-being are a key priority for us,” Patel added.

Calling for immediate de-escalation, Patel said dialogue and diplomacy were essential to ease tensions in the Gulf region.

“The Middle East is our proximate neighborhood, and we have significant stakes in the security and stability of the region,” she said. (IANS)