In UNSC, India strongly condemns recent attacks on maritime vessels in Strait of Hormuz

India called the escalation of hostilities in West Asia “deeply worrying” and strongly condemned the recent attacks on several naval vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and called for the restoration of unimpeded navigation and trade through international waterways in the region.

Describing West Asia as a region of “tremendous importance” for India, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Parvathaneni Harish said, “After a brief pause in the ongoing conflicts in the region, there is an alarming resumption of attacks and escalation of hostilities. This is extremely worrying and India calls for an immediate de-escalation of tensions.” Addressing an open debate on the Situation in West Asia at the UN Security Council on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Mr. Harish expressed India’s strong condemnation of attacks on several ships, including GFS Galaxy, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, during their passage through the Strait of Hormuz this month.

“Several Indian citizens were injured, some seriously; one Indian tragically lost his life and one person is missing in these attacks. India has consistently condemned acts of violence targeting seafarers and hindering free and safe navigation in international waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

India strongly advocates a return to dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace, security and stability in the region. “Targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must cease and free and unimpeded navigation and trade in international waterways in the region must be re-established as soon as possible, in accordance with international law,” Mr. Harish said.

In the midst of the US-Israeli war against Iran, the UN noted that Iran announced that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz again on July 11, following attacks on commercial ships on July 6. The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific said daily crossings, which had exceeded 100 before the conflict and rose to 49 on July 7, fell to 8-15 in mid-July.

Mr. Harish underlined India’s high interest in the security and stability of the region, noting that India’s trade and energy supply chains are strongly linked to the West Asian region. With annual bilateral trade of approximately $180 billion, cumulative Foreign Direct Investment in excess of $31 billion, and remittances in excess of $52 billion from the Gulf Cooperation Council alone, these linkages have direct impacts on India’s economy and energy security.

Approximately 10 million Indians live and work in the Gulf region. Their security and well-being is an important priority for us,” he said. India also told the Security Council that the world’s focus on the Strait of Hormuz should not “divert our attention from the grave humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.” The loss of civilian lives and destruction of civilian infrastructure are urgent concerns for which the international community must act immediately with a deep sense of urgency, Mr. Harish said. India is firmly committed to efforts that have a tangible impact on the daily lives of Palestinians, and Delhi’s development assistance is about He added that the international community must move forward simultaneously for a sustainable and lasting political solution. “India believes that a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace, within secure and recognized borders is essential for a comprehensive and lasting solution.”

On Yemen, India reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the West Asian country and rejected any interference in its internal affairs. “We also condemn the Houthis’ attacks on shipping. Protecting the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Southern Red Sea is a shared international responsibility and a global interest,” Mr. Harish said.

On Lebanon, India said that the peacekeepers of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are working in difficult conditions, following the instructions of the UN Security Council and therefore they should never become a target. India strongly condemned all attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers and emphasized that their safety is a priority.

“Also, it is important to be ready for a post-UNIFIL scenario and in this context, the Lebanese Armed Forces must receive the necessary support and assistance,” Mr. Harish said.