Diplomacy – India Calls for Calm as West Asia Tensions Deepen at UN Meeting
Diplomacy – India has urged the international community to take immediate steps to reduce rising tensions across West Asia while stressing that the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza should remain a global priority. Speaking during the United Nations Security Council’s quarterly open debate on the Middle East, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, highlighted New Delhi’s deep economic, strategic and humanitarian interests in the region. He said continued instability directly affects India’s trade, energy security and the welfare of millions of Indian nationals living in Gulf countries.
India Highlights Strategic Interests in West Asia
Harish noted that West Asia remains one of India’s most significant international partners because of its strong commercial and energy ties. Annual bilateral trade between India and the region stands at nearly USD 180 billion, while cumulative foreign direct investment has crossed USD 31 billion. In addition, remittances exceeding USD 52 billion from Gulf Cooperation Council countries play a vital role in India’s economy. Nearly 10 million Indians reside and work across the Gulf, making regional peace and stability a matter of national importance.
Concern Over Renewed Conflict and Maritime Attacks
Expressing concern over the recent escalation after a temporary lull in hostilities, India called for an immediate reduction in tensions through dialogue and diplomacy. Harish also strongly condemned attacks on commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, including GFS Galaxy, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa.
He informed the Security Council that the attacks affected several Indian nationals, with multiple injuries reported. One Indian citizen lost his life, while another remains missing. India reiterated that violence against merchant ships and civilian maritime operations is unacceptable and urged the restoration of safe and uninterrupted navigation in accordance with international law.
Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Must Remain a Global Priority
India emphasized that growing concerns over maritime security should not divert international attention from the humanitarian emergency unfolding in Gaza. Harish said the continued loss of civilian lives and destruction of essential infrastructure demand urgent action from the global community.
He also called for the effective implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions aimed at addressing the crisis and supporting humanitarian relief efforts for affected civilians.
India’s Continued Support for Palestine
Reaffirming India’s longstanding support for the Palestinian people, Harish said New Delhi has provided development and humanitarian assistance worth nearly USD 175 million through infrastructure projects, relief initiatives and contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
He also announced India’s commitment to establish a specialty hospital, an artificial limb fitting centre and a vocational training institute in Palestine. Ongoing Indian-supported initiatives, including the construction of the Palestinian Institute of Diplomacy, are expected to strengthen long-term development in the region.
Backing a Two-State Solution
India once again reiterated its support for a negotiated two-state solution, stating that lasting peace can only be achieved through the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine existing peacefully alongside Israel within secure and internationally recognized borders.
Views on Lebanon, Syria and Yemen
On Lebanon, India stressed that personnel serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) should never be targeted and strongly condemned attacks on peacekeepers. Harish also highlighted the need to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces as preparations continue for any future transition beyond the UNIFIL mission.
Regarding Syria, India reaffirmed support for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254. Respect for Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, he said, must remain central to all diplomatic efforts.
Speaking on Yemen, Harish reiterated India’s commitment to the country’s unity and sovereignty while condemning attacks by Houthi forces on maritime routes. He described the security of the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Southern Red Sea as a shared international responsibility with significant implications for global trade.
India Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Peace
Concluding his address, Harish said the people of West Asia deserve lasting peace, stability and normalcy. Guided by its long-standing philosophy of promoting global harmony, India, he said, will continue supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at building a safer and more stable region through dialogue, cooperation and respect for international law.