Attacks on Commercial Shipping ‘Legally and Morally Indefensible’: India at UN

India has strongly condemned attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers amid the escalating conflict in West Asia, telling the United Nations Security Council that such strikes are “legally and morally indefensible”.

Addressing the Council’s quarterly open debate on the Middle East on Thursday, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, called for an immediate de-escalation and the protection of maritime trade routes.

“We strongly condemn attacks on maritime navigation and on the seafarers, many of whom are Indian citizens. The protection of the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Southern Red Sea is a shared international responsibility and is a global interest,” he said.

India also reaffirmed its commitment to Yemen’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejecting interference in its internal affairs.

INDIAN SEAFARERS AT RISK

Parvathaneni cited recent attacks involving the India-flagged MV DP World Cauvery, MT Petro Dolphin, MT Valthera, MT On Peace and MT Kazimah III.

“All attacks on commercial shipping and merchant mariners are legally and morally indefensible. Several of these ships have Indian seafarers, and their safety and security is our direct responsibility,” he said.

He thanked authorities in Oman and the United Arab Emirates for helping ensure the safety of Indian seafarers during the attacks.

India urged all parties to resolve the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. It said attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must stop, and freedom of navigation and the safe flow of maritime commerce must be upheld under international law.

“The safety and security of seafarers remains a priority for Government of India and these recurring attacks risk further aggravation of a very volatile situation,” Parvathaneni said.

INDIA CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON SAUDI ARABIA

The envoy also condemned repeated attacks on civilian infrastructure, including Saudi airports, which had caused deaths, including that of Indian citizen Mohammad Yousef Ali in Riyadh.

India stood in complete solidarity with Saudi Arabia’s government and people in defence of the country’s sovereignty, he said.

Parvathaneni highlighted India’s extensive ties with the region. Annual trade with Gulf Cooperation Council countries amounts to $180 billion, cumulative foreign direct investment stands at $31 billion and remittances exceed $52 billion.

Around 10 million Indians live in GCC countries, making their safety and well-being a core Indian interest.

A SUPPORT NETWORK FOR SEAFARERS

India and Liberia launched a Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week last month, with 23 member states joining the initiative.

Parvathaneni described the platform as inclusive, voluntary and action-oriented, intended to strengthen cooperation, prevent attacks and safeguard seafarers’ rights.

He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal at last month’s BRICS Summit for a Seafarers Emergency Support Network connecting maritime authorities and embassies.

The proposed network could help coordinate distress alerts, medical assistance, communication with families and evacuations.

Nearly two million seafarers operate the world’s merchant fleet, while maritime shipping accounts for four-fifths of global trade, the envoy noted.

GAZA MUST NOT BE FORGOTTEN

Parvathaneni warned that international attention on merchant shipping and the Strait of Hormuz must not divert focus from Gaza’s continuing humanitarian crisis.

“Terrorism anywhere has no justification, and India had condemned the attacks of October 7, 2023 unequivocally. Civilians including women and children have borne the heaviest cost of the conflict since,” he said.

India reiterated its support for humanitarian relief, dialogue and a negotiated two-state solution. It urged coordinated international action to prevent further civilian casualties and destruction of civilian infrastructure.

Parvathaneni also recalled the BRICS leaders’ reaffirmation at last month’s New Delhi Summit of support for Palestine’s full membership of the UN.

“India believes that a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace with Israel, within secure and recognised borders, is essential to a comprehensive and lasting solution,” he said.

AID AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT FOR PALESTINIANS

The envoy outlined India’s humanitarian assistance to Palestinians, including medicines, medical supplies and essential relief, alongside development support and contributions to UNRWA.

India’s development commitments include a 200-bed super-speciality hospital, the Palestinian Institute of Diplomacy, a women’s empowerment centre, an artificial limb fitment camp and a vocational training institute.

India also provides training and scholarships through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. In August, another 32 Palestinian students, all from Gaza, joined colleges in India under the ICCR scholarship programme.

India’s cumulative contributions to UNRWA exceed $52 million, Parvathaneni said, highlighting the agency’s role in delivering education, healthcare and other essential services.

PROTECT PEACEKEEPERS, RESPECT SOVEREIGNTY

On Lebanon, India condemned attacks on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon peacekeepers, saying personnel serving under Security Council mandates must not be targeted.

“Their safety and security remains a high priority. The sanctity and inviolability of UN premises must be fully respected,” Parvathaneni said.

He also stressed the need to prepare for a post-UNIFIL scenario and support the Lebanese Armed Forces.

On Syria, India backed a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process under UN Security Council Resolution 2254, with the country’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity remaining a priority.

“The people of the Middle East need normalcy and lasting peace. Peace is not just the absence of war. It is imperative to strengthen stability and security for the people of the region,” he said.

With inputs from ANI