India has urged the international community to collaborate in protecting vital sea lanes, asserting that secure maritime trade routes are critical for the uninterrupted flow of food, fertilisers, fuel, and other essential goods. This appeal was made during a high-level open debate at the United Nations Security Council concerning food crises resulting from conflicts. India emphasised that protecting these routes is essential for global food security.

At the session, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that ongoing conflicts are exacerbating severe hunger worldwide. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, stated that food insecurity is one of the most significant humanitarian consequences arising from armed conflicts.

Parvathaneni explained that current hostilities can have far-reaching effects, disrupting energy markets, fertiliser supplies, shipping, and humanitarian logistics, thereby threatening global food security. The most significant impact is borne by developing countries that rely on imports.

UN Security Council’s Role in Addressing Humanitarian Issues

India highlighted the necessity for the Security Council to prioritise mitigating the humanitarian consequences of conflicts. This involves ensuring safe, swift, and unhindered access for humanitarian aid and supporting de-confliction measures. The country also stressed the importance of avoiding actions, such as sanctions, that could inadvertently impede humanitarian assistance or legitimate trade in food and agricultural goods.

Parvathaneni asserted that maintaining secure navigation for commercial shipping in accordance with international maritime law is vital. He pointed out that disruptions to commercial shipping during conflicts could lead to severe repercussions beyond the immediate areas affected, particularly impacting food-importing developing nations and humanitarian efforts.

To safeguard critical maritime lanes and infrastructure, he urged collective international action, ensuring that legitimate commercial and humanitarian shipments are not obstructed. This proactive stance is vital for upholding food security on a global scale.

Addressing Food Insecurity Driven by Conflicts

UN Secretary-General Guterres noted that the year 2025 recorded the highest number of armed conflicts since World War II, coinciding with alarming levels of acute food insecurity affecting at least 266 million people. He pointed out the simultaneous confirmation of two famines in Sudan and Gaza, marking a troubling milestone in global hunger crises. Guterres emphasised that conflict and violence are primarily responsible for 12 of the 13 most concerning hunger hotspots.

During the debate, Guterres mentioned the importance of the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for global oil and fertiliser transportation. He highlighted that recent restrictions and attacks on commercial vessels are complicating supply chains for essential commodities, further endangering food security.

In light of these complexities, India reinforced that food insecurity results from conflict, political instability, and underdevelopment, rather than being its cause. Parvathaneni called for comprehensive evaluations of disruptions to supply chains related to food, fertilisers, fuel, and humanitarian logistics. Such analyses should be objective and devoid of political manipulation.

India also urged a collaborative approach among member nations, financial institutions, regional bodies, and development partners to enhance agricultural productivity. This includes diversifying supply chains, improving storage capabilities, and promoting climate-resilient farming practices. Moreover, assured access to quality fertilisers and technology is crucial, particularly for developing nations.

Ultimately, India’s intervention at the UN emphasised the critical objectives of protecting supply chains, facilitating humanitarian access, and building resilient agricultural systems as essential measures to combat food insecurity in periods of conflict.

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