India on Wednesday expressed deep concern over attacks on merchant shipping vessels in the Gulf region amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia and called for dialogue, diplomacy and restraint to prevent further escalation.
Addressing 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”, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, reiterated New Delhi’s position on the evolving situation in the region.
Expressing concern over the intensifying conflict, Ambassador Harish urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritise the safety and well-being of civilians.
He strongly condemned attacks on merchant shipping and stressed the impact such incidents have on India.
“India is firmly opposed to attacks on merchant shipping as many of our nationals are part of the global maritime workforce. Many Indian nationals have lost their lives or remain missing as a result of attacks in the region and on merchant vessels and sea lanes of communication,” he said.
The ambassador noted that the widening conflict and its spillover effects across the region have generated serious concerns.
“The intensification of the conflict and its spread to other nations have evoked great anxiety. The mounting destruction, loss of lives and disruption of normal economic activity have deeply impacted India, a proximate neighbour with critical stakes in the security and stability of the region,” he said.
Highlighting India’s close links with the Gulf, Harish said nearly 10 million Indian citizens live and work in the region and their safety remains a top priority for the government.
He also underscored the importance of regional stability for India’s trade and energy security.
“Our trade and energy supply chains are dependent on stability in the region and any major disruption has serious consequences for the Indian economy,” he said.
Reaffirming India’s position, Harish called for dialogue and diplomacy, respect for freedom of navigation and commerce, protection of civilian populations and infrastructure, and an early end to the conflict.
He said India supports all efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
“The people of West Asia deserve sustained peace and normalcy. India stands fully ready to contribute towards realising this goal in order to secure peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of the region and beyond,” he added.
The ambassador also highlighted emerging global challenges, including economic crises, demographic pressures, terrorism, supply chain disruptions and risks arising from new technologies, and stressed the need for the United Nations to remain responsive to evolving threats to international peace and security.
-ANI
