11 June,2026 10:59 AM IST | United Nations | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/AFP
India has reiterated its strong opposition to attacks on merchant vessels and disruptions to global shipping routes, expressing concern over the safety of its citizens amid the escalating conflict involving Iran and its impact on regional stability.
Addressing a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate on "Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Advancing Political Solutions in the Middle East: Mediation and Dialogue for Lasting Peace," India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, highlighted the growing humanitarian and economic consequences of the conflict.
Parvathaneni told the Security Council that several Indian nationals have either lost their lives or remain missing as a result of attacks linked to the conflict in the Gulf region.
He stressed that India is firmly opposed to attacks on merchant shipping, noting that Indian citizens constitute a significant portion of the global maritime workforce.
"Many Indian nationals have lost their lives or are missing as a result of attacks against countries of the region and against merchant vessels and sea lanes of communication," he said.
The remarks came amid heightened tensions in the Gulf and increasing concerns over the safety of commercial shipping routes that are critical to global trade and energy supplies.
The Indian envoy underscored that nearly 10 million Indian citizens live and work across the Gulf region, making their safety and welfare a key priority for New Delhi.
He also pointed out that India's trade and energy security are closely tied to stability in the Middle East. Any prolonged disruption to maritime routes or regional security, he said, could have serious consequences for the Indian economy.
According to Parvathaneni, the widening conflict has generated significant concern in India because of its geographical proximity to the region and its economic interests there.
"The mounting destruction and deaths and cessation of normal life and economic activities have deeply impacted India, a proximate neighbour with critical stakes in the security and stability of the region," he said.
India urged all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions.
The country reiterated its support for diplomacy and peaceful negotiations, calling for the protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping.
Parvathaneni emphasised the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and ensuring that maritime trade routes remain safe and open.
India also backed international efforts aimed at securing an early end to the conflict through dialogue and political engagement rather than military action.
During the debate, India expressed concern over the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called for a sustained ceasefire.
The Indian envoy said there was an urgent need to facilitate humanitarian assistance and pursue a credible political process leading to a negotiated two-state solution.
India reiterated its support for the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace and security within recognised borders.
Parvathaneni described the two-state solution as the only viable path towards achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
India also announced that it would soon release the first instalment of its annual contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The payment of USD 2.5 million will form part of India's annual USD 5 million assistance package to the agency.
On Lebanon, India called for respect for the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while emphasising the importance of protecting United Nations peacekeepers deployed under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Parvathaneni said India would also provide medical assistance to Lebanon and reiterated New Delhi's demand for a thorough investigation into attacks targeting UN peacekeepers.
The Indian envoy also used the opportunity to renew India's long-standing demand for reforms within the United Nations Security Council.
He argued that the current structure of the UNSC no longer reflects contemporary geopolitical realities and has affected the organisation's ability to respond effectively to major conflicts.
According to India, meaningful reform requires the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership to make the Security Council more representative and effective.
Parvathaneni said the growing number of unresolved conflicts worldwide has raised questions about the credibility and effectiveness of the UN system, making institutional reforms increasingly necessary.
(With inputs from PTI)
