India voices concern at UN over Strait of Hormuz situation; terms Iranian attacks ‘deplorable’
The Indian statement came against the backdrop of attacks by the Iranian Navy on two of its vessels and a Togo-flagged ship with Indian crew on board in the recent weeks.
New Delhi, Apr 29: Against the backdrop of Iranian attacks on vessels involving Indian interests, India has strongly deplored the targeting of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and termed such actions as “unacceptable”.
At a session in the United Nations, India flagged global economic disruptions caused by the chokehold of the Strait of Hormuz because of the ongoing confrontation between the US and Iran.
India’s Chargé d’affaires at the Permanent Mission to the UN, Yojna Patel, said India sees maritime security and protection of waterways essential to global security and economic prosperity.
“As a major trading nation, India strongly deplores the recent targeting of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the endangerment of innocent civilian crew members.
“Such actions have resulted in the tragic loss of precious lives of Indian seafarers and are unacceptable,” she said addressing the open debate on ‘The Safety and Protection of Waterways in the Maritime Domain’ on Monday.
The Indian statement came against the backdrop of attacks by the Iranian Navy on two of its vessels and a Togo-flagged ship with Indian crew on board in the recent weeks.
India reiterated that freedom of navigation and global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz must be fully respected in accordance with international law.
It emphasised the need for restoration of safe and unimpeded maritime passage at the earliest.
The Indian ambassador said India has submitted its recommendations to mitigate the crisis in Hormuz and ensure the safety of seafarers.
New Delhi has also set up a 24/7 helpline set up by the country’s Directorate General of Shipping for seafarers that receives distress calls from people barring any nationality.
India is among the top three seafarer-supplying nations, contributing approximately 13 per cent of the global seafaring workforce.
“India remains deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of its seafarers. Any disruption, obstruction or purported closure of vital waterways has direct consequences for global economy, energy and humanitarian supply chains,” Patel said.
The Ministry of External Affairs said last month that eight Indian seafarers had died in the Strait as a result of the conflict, adding that the whereabouts of one is “not known” yet. (BVI)
