Harish said India had “very high stakes” in the safety, security and stability of the region

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, on Friday condemned attacks on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure in the Middle East, warning that the escalating hostilities pose a serious threat to regional stability and the safety of Indian nationals.Speaking at the UN Security Council’s open debate on the Middle East, Harish said India had “very high stakes” in the safety, security and stability of the region, highlighting that around 10 million Indians live in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and contribute to their economies.He called for restraint and de-escalation, expressing concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure that have resulted in casualties, including the death of Indian citizen Mohammed Yusuf Ali in Riyadh.India flags attacks on commercial shipsHarish said India stood in complete solidarity with the government and people of Saudi Arabia in defence of their sovereignty following the recent attacks.He also raised concerns over attacks on commercial shipping, including the India-flagged MV DP World Kaveri earlier this week and MT Petro Dolphin and MT Walthera last week.“All attacks on commercial shipping and merchant mariners are legally and morally indefensible,” he said, adding that several of the affected vessels had Indian seafarers whose safety and security remained India’s direct responsibility.Calls for de-escalation, protection of maritime routesIndia reiterated the need for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities and a resolution to the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.Harish said attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must cease, stressing that freedom of navigation and the safe, unimpeded flow of maritime commerce through international waterways must be upheld in accordance with international law.

He further added that focus on maritime security must not divert attention from the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It condemned the October 7, 2023 attacks and reiterated its support for a negotiated two-state solution, the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803, and continued development and humanitarian assistance.v