Firmly opposed to attacks on merchant shipping: India tells UNSC amid Iran conflict

India has reiterated its strong opposition to attacks on merchant vessels and disruptions to global shipping routes expressing concern over the safety of its citizens amid the escalating conflict involving Iran and its impact on regional stabilityAddressing a United Nations Security Council UNSC open debate on Maintenance of International Peace and Security Advancing Political Solutions in the Middle East Mediation and Dialogue for Lasting Peace Indias Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni highlighted the growing humanitarian and economic consequences of the conflictIndia voices concern over deaths and missing nationalsParvathaneni told the Security Council that several Indian nationals have either lost their lives or remain missing as a result of attacks linked to the conflict in the Gulf regionHe stressed that India is firmly opposed to attacks on merchant shipping noting that Indian citizens constitute a significant portion of the global maritime workforceMany Indian nationals have lost their lives or are missing as a result of attacks against countries of the region and against merchant vessels and sea lanes of communication he saidThe remarks came amid heightened tensions in the Gulf and increasing concerns over the safety of commercial shipping routes that are critical to global trade and energy suppliesIndia highlights economic and strategic stakesThe Indian envoy underscored that nearly 10 million Indian citizens live and work across the Gulf region making their safety and welfare a key priority for New DelhiHe also pointed out that Indias trade and energy security are closely tied to stability in the Middle East Any prolonged disruption to maritime routes or regional security he said could have serious consequences for the Indian economyAccording to Parvathaneni the widening conflict has generated significant concern in India because of its geographical proximity to the region and its economic interests thereThe mounting destruction and deaths and cessation of normal life and economic activities have deeply impacted India a proximate neighbour with critical stakes in the security and stability of the region he saidCall for restraint dialogue and protection of civiliansIndia urged all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further escalate tensionsThe country reiterated its support for diplomacy and peaceful negotiations calling for the protection of civilians civilian infrastructure and commercial shippingParvathaneni emphasised the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and ensuring that maritime trade routes remain safe and openIndia also backed international efforts aimed at securing an early end to the conflict through dialogue and political engagement rather than military actionIndia reiterates support for twostate solution in GazaDuring the debate India expressed concern over the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called for a sustained ceasefireThe Indian envoy said there was an urgent need to facilitate humanitarian assistance and pursue a credible political process leading to a negotiated twostate solutionIndia reiterated its support for the establishment of a sovereign independent and viable Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace and security within recognised bordersParvathaneni described the twostate solution as the only viable path towards achieving lasting peace and stability in the regionFinancial aid for Palestinian refugees and LebanonIndia also announced that it would soon release the first instalment of its annual contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East UNRWAThe payment of USD 25 million will form part of Indias annual USD 5 million assistance package to the agencyOn Lebanon India called for respect for the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity while emphasising the importance of protecting United Nations peacekeepers deployed under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon UNIFILParvathaneni said India would also provide medical assistance to Lebanon and reiterated New Delhis demand for a thorough investigation into attacks targeting UN peacekeepersIndia renews call for UNSC reformsThe Indian envoy also used the opportunity to renew Indias longstanding demand for reforms within the United Nations Security CouncilHe argued that the current structure of the UNSC no longer reflects contemporary geopolitical realities and has affected the organisations ability to respond effectively to major conflictsAccording to India meaningful reform requires the expansion of both permanent and nonpermanent categories of membership to make the Security Council more representative and effectiveParvathaneni said the growing number of unresolved conflicts worldwide has raised questions about the credibility and effectiveness of the UN system making institutional reforms increasingly necessaryWith inputs from PTI