India urges restoration of safe shipping in Hormuz, slams threats to tankers

India has raised serious concerns over threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, urging immediate restoration of safe navigation while calling for restraint and de-escalation amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, delivered the country’s statement at the UN General Assembly debate under the Veto Initiative on “The Situation in the Middle East” on Thursday.

Harish said maritime security remains critical for India’s energy and economic interests and stressed that commercial shipping has been targeted during the ongoing conflict.

“India has deplored the fact that commercial shipping was made a target of military attacks in this conflict,” he said.

Highlighting the human cost, he noted that Indian nationals have been among the victims. “The precious lives of Indian seafarers aboard ships have been lost during the course of the conflict,” he added.

India strongly condemned attacks on civilian maritime activity and reiterated its position on freedom of navigation.

“We reiterate that the targeting of commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members or otherwise impeding the freedom of navigation and commerce in the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable,” Harish said.

He called for strict adherence to international law and urged the restoration of normal maritime operations. “International law in this regard must be fully respected. We strongly urge that safe and unimpeded freedom of navigation and global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz be restored at the earliest,” he said.

Referring to the broader conflict in Iran and the Gulf region since February 28, 2026, Harish said India has consistently expressed deep concern and called for restraint.

“India had expressed deep concern and urged all states to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritize safety of civilians,” he said.

He added that India has pushed for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions. “We have urged all states to promote dialogue and diplomacy and de-escalation of tensions and to purposefully address underlying issues,” he said.

Reaffirming India’s stance, Harish said the country supports respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.

India’s intervention comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and growing concerns over disruptions to global energy supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime corridor for international trade.

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