India on Wednesday voiced deep concern over the attacks on merchant shipping vessels in the Gulf region amid the ongoing conflict and urged for dialogue and diplomacy, underlining New Delhi's importance as a proximate neighbour with critical stakes in security and stability of the region.

The remarks were made by Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations at the UN Security Council Open Debate on 'Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Advancing Political Solutions in the Middle East: Mediation and Dialogue for Lasting Peace'