Tension between America and Iran has once again reached its peak. While the US is launching rapid attacks on Tehran, Tehran is also targeting American bases located in Gulf countries. Meanwhile, India has expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in West Asia and appealed to reduce tension. Along with this, India also condemned the recent attack on several ships in the Strait of Hormuz and demanded resumption of movement and trade without any hindrance.
Describing West Asia as an important region for India, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Parvataneni Harish said, ‘After a brief lull in the ongoing conflict in the region, the resumption of attacks and escalating tensions is a matter of concern. India demands immediate de-escalation of tensions’.
India condemned the attacks on ships
During the open debate on the situation in West Asia in the UN Security Council on Tuesday, Harish strongly condemned India’s attacks on several ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz this month – including the GFS Galaxy, MT Al Bahia and MT Mombasa.
Emphasis on adopting the path of dialogue and diplomacy
He said, ‘Many Indian citizens were injured in these attacks, some of whom are seriously injured. One Indian died and one is missing. India has always condemned incidents of violence targeting seafarers and hindering free and safe navigation through international waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz. He said that India strongly advocates adopting the path of dialogue and diplomacy for peace, security and stability in the region.
Harish said that targeting of commercial shipping and infrastructure related to common people in this region should be stopped. He said that in accordance with international laws, free and unhindered movement and trade through international waterways in the region should be restored as soon as possible.
Traffic was affected by the collision
Amid the confrontation between the US and Israel against Iran, the UN has reported that following the attacks on commercial ships on July 6, Iran announced the re-closure of the Strait of Hormuz on July 11. According to the UN’s Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, daily movements had improved from more than 100 before the conflict to 49 by July 7. Whereas by mid-July it came down to the level of 8-15.
‘Safety of Indians is necessary’
Harish emphasized that India has a big stake in the security and stability of this region. He said that India’s trade and energy supply chains are strongly linked to the West Asia region. He said that India’s annual bilateral trade with this region is about 180 billion dollars. Apart from this, foreign direct investment (FDI) worth more than 31 billion dollars has come to India from here. Every year, more than $52 billion is sent by Indians from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to the country. He said that relations have a direct impact on India’s economy and energy security. About 1 crore Indians live and work in the Gulf region. He said that their safety and well-being is of utmost importance to us.
Expressed concern about Gaza
India also told the Security Council that despite the world’s focus on the Strait of Hormuz, our attention should not be diverted from the serious humanitarian crisis going on in the Gaza Strip. Harish said that the loss of civilian lives and the destruction of basic facilities meant for the common people are serious concerns on which the international community should take immediate and very rapid action. He also said that India is fully committed to efforts that impact the everyday lives of Palestinians. He further said that the international community should also move towards a durable and long-lasting political solution. He said India supports an independent, sovereign and viable state of Palestine, which can live in peace with Israel within secure and recognized borders.
Also talked about Yemen and Lebanon
At the same time, in the case of Yemen, India reiterated its unwavering commitment towards the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country and rejected any kind of interference in its internal affairs. Harish said, ‘We also condemn the attacks of Houthis on maritime traffic. The security of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Southern Red Sea is a shared international responsibility and a matter of global interest.
India also strongly criticized the attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon. India said that the peacekeepers of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) work in challenging conditions and follow the orders of the UN Security Council, so they should never be targeted. India strongly condemned all attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers and stressed that their safety must be ensured.
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