India demands safe passage in Hormuz, condemns attacks on commercial ships at UN

India has sharply raised concerns at the United Nations over threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, calling attacks on merchant vessels unacceptable and urging the immediate restoration of safe and uninterrupted navigation through one of the world’s most critical trade routes.

Addressing the UN General Assembly debate under the Veto Initiative on “The Situation in the Middle East” on April 16, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, said maritime security remains vital to India’s energy needs and broader economic interests.

He said commercial vessels had become targets during the ongoing conflict, triggering serious concerns for global shipping and civilian safety.

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

Underscoring the human toll of the crisis, he said Indian nationals were among those affected. “The precious lives of Indian seafarers aboard ships have been lost during the course of the conflict,” he added.

India strongly condemned any attacks on civilian maritime operations and reaffirmed its commitment to freedom of navigation in international waters.

“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.

Calling for full respect for international law, he urged all sides to ensure the swift return of normal maritime movement through the narrow but strategically crucial waterway.

“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 28 February 2026, Harish said India had consistently expressed deep concern and repeatedly called on all countries to avoid further escalation.

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

He added that New Delhi continues to back dialogue and diplomacy as the only sustainable path to lowering tensions in the region.

“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 long-standing position, Harish said the country supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.

India’s intervention comes at a time of mounting geopolitical uncertainty and rising fears over disruptions to global energy supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a maritime chokepoint that carries a significant share of the world’s oil and gas shipments.