Indian Navy Executes Credible, Swift Operations Saving Hundreds of Lives, Says UN Envoy

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, on November 22, 2025, commended the Indian Navy for its decisive and high-risk operations that have saved more than 500 lives across nationalities in the increasingly volatile Western Arabian Sea. Speaking during a UN Security Council open debate on “Maritime Safety and Security: Protection of Seafarers,” Harish underscored New Delhi’s growing role as a first responder in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.

The ambassador revealed that, over the past two years, the Indian Navy has maintained a robust presence by deploying more than 35 warships, conducting over 1,000 boarding operations, and responding to more than 35 distress incidents amid a surge in piracy and armed attacks on merchant vessels. These swift interventions, often carried out under credible threat of hostile fire, have rescued seafarers from multiple countries, demonstrating India’s commitment to the safety of global sea lines of communication that carry the bulk of international trade.

The briefing comes against the backdrop of escalating threats in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, where Houthi attacks and resurgent Somali piracy have disrupted shipping routes. Co-chaired by Greece, the Philippines, Denmark, Japan, Panama, and Romania, the session highlighted the vulnerability of seafarers and the need for coordinated international action. Harish emphasized that the Indian Navy’s proactive posture fills critical gaps left by traditional naval powers, earning appreciation from flag states and shipowners worldwide.

Also Read: Shashi Tharoor Defends UN, Urges Renewal Amid Global Crises at Tutu Peace Lecture

India’s expanding naval diplomacy and operational reach reflect its emergence as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region. The ambassador’s statement reinforces calls for greater burden-sharing in maritime security while showcasing the Indian Navy’s capability and willingness to undertake complex, high-risk missions far from its shores to protect global commons.

Also Read: Massive Fire Erupts at COP30 Venue in Brazil Less Than Two Weeks Before Summit