United Nations/Hyderabad, Sept 19 (Maxim News): India has strongly condemned the targeting of commercial shipping amid geopolitical tensions, calling for the protection of freedom of navigation and safe passage for vessels.
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, P Harish, made the remarks during a UN Security Council meeting on maritime security chaired by Bahrain. He reiterated India’s commitment to maintaining free, open and secure maritime routes.
Harish expressed concern over attacks affecting Indian ships and sailors in West Asia and the Gulf, saying the situation around the Strait of Hormuz was disrupting oil and gas supplies and causing economic losses.
India Calls for Safety of Indian Sailors in Strait of Hormuz
Harish referred to incidents involving Indian vessels and sailors, including an incident in April last year in which Iranian forces allegedly fired warning shots at two Indian ships. He also referred to a July attack in which one Indian sailor was killed and another injured.
He further said that three Indian sailors were killed in a US attack in June, adding that India had already raised concerns with the countries concerned.
Highlighting India’s role in protecting international maritime trade, Harish said the Indian Navy has helped 449 commercial ships sail safely under its security operations. These vessels carried cargo estimated at around $8.4 billion, he said.
He also said India had launched Operation Urja Suraksha, deploying 11 ships in the western Arabian Sea to help secure energy routes.
India urged the international community to focus on the safety of hundreds of Indian sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid the reported blockade and work towards bringing them to safety.
Harish also called for greater international cooperation to address emerging maritime security threats, including attacks involving unmanned systems and cyber operations.
India has consistently maintained that commercial vessels and civilian maritime infrastructure should not become targets during geopolitical conflicts and stressed the importance of keeping international shipping routes safe and open.
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