India Urges Immediate De-escalation At UNSC After Strait of Hormuz Attacks in West Asia

India on Tuesday strongly condemned attacks on commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz and called for immediate de-escalation of tensions in West Asia during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate. New Delhi urged all parties involved to return to dialogue and diplomacy while stressing the importance of maintaining free and secure navigation through international waterways. Addressing the UNSC debate on the situation in the Middle East, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, expressed concern over the renewed escalation of hostilities in the region following a brief pause in fighting.

He said the return of violence was alarming and called for urgent steps to reduce tensions and prevent further instability. “After a brief pause in the ongoing conflict in the region, there has been a worrying resumption of attacks and escalation of hostilities. This is deeply concerning and India calls for an immediate de-escalation of tensions,” Harish said during the session. He highlighted that West Asia remains a region of significant importance for India due to its strategic, economic and people-to-people connections.

India specifically condemned attacks on merchant vessels, including GFS Galaxy, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, during their transit through the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month. The Indian representative said such incidents threaten international maritime security and disrupt the safe movement of commercial shipping through one of the world’s most important trade routes. Harish also highlighted the impact of the attacks on Indian nationals. He said several Indian citizens were injured, including some who suffered serious injuries, while one Indian national lost his life and another remained missing following the incidents.

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India has consistently raised concerns over attacks targeting seafarers and has called for stronger measures to protect those working in maritime sectors. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the wider Indian Ocean. A large share of global energy shipments passes through the route, making any disruption a matter of international concern. India has repeatedly emphasised the need to ensure uninterrupted trade and freedom of navigation in accordance with international law.

During the UNSC discussion, India reiterated that disputes and conflicts in the region should be addressed through diplomatic engagement rather than military escalation. New Delhi has maintained that stability in West Asia is essential not only for regional peace but also for global economic security, given the region’s importance in energy supplies and international commerce. The latest remarks come amid rising tensions in West Asia, where renewed attacks and military confrontations have increased concerns among countries dependent on secure maritime routes.

India has called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint and work towards peaceful solutions that protect civilian lives and regional stability. India’s statement at the UN Security Council reflects its broader position of advocating dialogue, international cooperation and respect for established maritime norms. As tensions continue in the region, New Delhi has stressed the need for collective efforts to prevent further escalation and safeguard the interests of countries, including those whose citizens are affected by disruptions in global shipping routes.

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