India Condemns Attacks On Ships In Strait Of Hormuz At United Nations

India has raised strong objections at the United Nations over repeated attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, calling such incidents “unacceptable” and warning that they threaten global maritime security and energy supply chains.

Speaking at a special session of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) on safeguarding energy flows, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, said that targeting civilian ships and their crews violates international norms and undermines freedom of navigation. He stressed that the safety of commercial shipping must be protected under international law.

The Indian envoy’s remarks come amid rising tensions in West Asia, where strategic maritime routes have faced increasing security risks. The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors, carries nearly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments, making it vital for global energy stability.

India’s statement follows a recent attack on an India-flagged commercial vessel near the coast of Oman on May 13. According to officials, the ship was sailing from Somalia when it came under attack in the region. All 14 crew members were safely rescued by Omani authorities, though the identity of those responsible for the incident remains unconfirmed.

The Ministry of External Affairs has separately condemned the attack, reiterating that the targeting of merchant vessels and civilian mariners cannot be justified under any circumstances. Officials also noted concerns over a pattern of similar incidents involving India-linked ships in recent months, raising alarm over the safety of maritime routes used for India’s energy imports.

India has called for stronger international cooperation and immediate measures to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping, warning that continued disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could have wider consequences for global trade and economic stability.