‘Targeting commercial shipping unacceptable’: India urges safe navigation through Strait of Hormuz at UN | India News
New Delhi: India on Thursday expressed grave concern at the United Nations over threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, calling for immediate restoration of safe navigation and calling for restraint and de-escalation amid continuing tensions in the Middle East.Addressing the UN General Assembly debate under the veto initiative on the “Middle East Situation”, India’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Harish P said that maritime security is important to India’s energy and economic interests.“One area of particular concern for India, for its energy and economic security, is related to commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. India has condemned that commercial shipping has been targeted for military attacks in this conflict,” he said.He said India strongly condemns attacks on civilian maritime activities and insists that such actions are unacceptable.“We reiterate that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members or otherwise obstructing freedom of navigation and trade in the Strait of Hormuz is unacceptable,” he said.Harish called on the international community to ensure free movement of trade through strategic waterways while calling for adherence to international law.“International law in this regard must be fully respected. We strongly request that safe and uninterrupted navigation and freedom of global trade through the Strait of Hormuz be restored as soon as possible,” Harish said.Highlighting the human toll of the conflict, he noted that Indian citizens were also affected.“Indian sailors on board lost valuable lives during the conflict,” he added.Referring to the broader conflict in Iran and the Gulf region, Harish reiterated India’s consistent calls for restraint and diplomacy.“Since the outbreak of conflict in Iran and the Gulf region on February 28, 2026, India expressed deep concern and urged all states to exercise restraint, avoid tensions and prioritize the protection of civilians,” he said.“We call on all states to promote dialogue and diplomacy and de-escalate tensions and objectively resolve underlying issues,” he added.Reiterating India’s stand on sovereignty, Harish said, “We call for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.”India’s comments come amid heightened geopolitical tensions and growing concern over potential disruptions to global energy supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime trade corridors.
