India Demands Immediate End To Maritime Attacks At UNSC, Raises Safety Concerns For 10 Million Nationals

New Delhi: Amidst the continuously deteriorating security situation in West Asia and increasing attacks on international maritime routes, India has adopted a clear and tough stance in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). India said attacks on commercial ships and civilian infrastructure cannot be accepted under any circumstances. Noting that one Indian national was killed, several others were injured and one person is still missing in the recent attacks, India appealed to the international community to take immediate effective steps to ensure the security of sea lanes.

Why increased concern over the safety of sea routes?

During the discussion held in the Security Council, India raised the issue of recent attacks on several commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The Indian representative said that a large share of global trade passes through these sea routes. In such a situation, incidents targeting ships are not a problem of just one region but can have an impact on the entire world's supply chain, energy market and international trade.

Why is West Asia strategically important for India?

India told the Security Council that its economic and strategic interests are deeply linked to West Asia. India's annual trade with this region is approximately US$180 billion. A large amount of foreign direct investment and remittances from NRIs also come from this region. About one crore Indians live and work in Gulf countries. In such a situation, any kind of instability in the region can have a direct impact on India's energy security, business activities and the livelihood of millions of families.

What concerns did India express on Gaza crisis?

India also noted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Security Council said that it is necessary to ensure the safety of civilians and ensure the delivery of relief materials to the affected areas without any hindrance. Concern was also expressed over attacks on hospitals and other civilian facilities. India stressed the need to fully implement relevant UN resolutions so that humanitarian assistance reaches the affected people in a timely manner.

What did India repeat on the issue of Palestine?

India once again reiterated its support for the two-nation solution. India says that the only permanent solution to this long conflict is the peaceful co-existence of Israel and an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state. India also reminded that it has been providing development and humanitarian assistance to Palestine for years and continues to cooperate in several projects related to health and skills development.

What is the stance on Lebanon, Syria and Yemen?

In his address, India stressed the need to ensure the security of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon. Support for the political process in Syria in line with UN Security Council resolution 2254 was reiterated. In the context of Yemen, India supported its sovereignty and territorial integrity and stressed the need to maintain maritime security in the Red Sea and the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait.

What is the broad implication of India's message?

Experts believe that India's stance in the Security Council is not limited to recent incidents only. This message makes it clear that New Delhi considers peace in West Asia, safe maritime trade and adherence to international laws as an important part of its foreign policy. Keeping in view energy security, global trade and security of Indian citizens living abroad, India will continue to play an active diplomatic role on this issue in the times to come.