India Strongly Opposes Attacks on Merchant Shipping at UN Amid Rising Iran Conflict

India has firmly opposed attacks on merchant shipping during a United Nations Security Council discussion, expressing serious concern over escalating tensions linked to the ongoing Iran-West Asia conflict.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN highlighted that commercial shipping must never be targeted under any circumstances, stressing that such actions endanger innocent civilian lives and global trade stability. The statement comes amid reports of attacks on vessels in key maritime routes, including areas around the Strait of Hormuz.

New Delhi also conveyed deep concern over the broader regional conflict, noting that several Indian nationals have been affected, with some reported dead or missing in recent incidents involving merchant vessels.

India urged all parties involved in the conflict to exercise maximum restraint and prioritize diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation. It emphasized that the safety of sea lanes and freedom of navigation are essential for global economic stability.

Reiterating its consistent position, India called for immediate steps to protect commercial shipping and ensure uninterrupted maritime trade, especially in strategically sensitive waters affected by ongoing geopolitical tensions.