India on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in West Asia and condemned attacks on merchant shipping vessels in the Gulf region, stressing that stability in the area is vital for India’s economic and strategic interests.

Addressing the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Advancing Political Solutions in the Middle East: Mediation and Dialogue for Lasting Peace”, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, urged all sides to exercise restraint and prioritise dialogue and diplomacy.

Warning against further escalation, Harish said the intensifying conflict and its spread to other countries had caused widespread anxiety and carried serious implications for India, which he described as a proximate neighbour with critical stakes in the region’s security and stability.

India Condemns Attacks On Merchant Shipping

India strongly opposed attacks on commercial vessels and highlighted the risks posed to Indian nationals employed in the global maritime sector.

“India is firmly opposed to attacks on merchant shipping as many of our nationals are prominent in its global workforce,” Harish said, noting that several Indian citizens had either lost their lives or remained missing as a result of attacks targeting countries in the region and commercial sea routes.

He said the ongoing conflict had resulted in mounting destruction, loss of life and disruption of normal economic activity, developments that have had a direct impact on India.

The ambassador also emphasised the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and ensuring that commercial shipping and maritime trade routes remain secure.

Safety Of Indians In Gulf Region A Top Priority

Harish highlighted that nearly 10 million Indian citizens live and work across the Gulf region and reiterated that their safety and well-being remain a matter of utmost priority for the Indian government.

He also pointed to India’s dependence on the region for trade and energy supplies, warning that any major disruption could have serious consequences for the country’s economy.

Reaffirming New Delhi’s long-standing position, Harish called for dialogue and diplomacy, avoidance of military action against civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping, and an early end to the conflict.

He said India supports all efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution of outstanding issues.

India Calls For Human-Centric Approach

The Indian envoy stressed that people across West Asia deserve sustained peace and normalcy and said New Delhi stands ready to contribute to efforts aimed at securing peace, prosperity and well-being in the region.

He also highlighted broader global challenges, including economic crises, demographic pressures, terrorism, disruptions to supply chains and risks associated with emerging technologies.

According to Harish, the United Nations must remain capable of responding effectively to evolving threats to international peace and security.

Emphasising the human cost of conflicts, he said women, children and other vulnerable sections of society bear the heaviest burden during wars and underlined the need for a human-centric approach to conflict resolution.

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