‘Deeply Concerning’: India Condemns Attack On Ships In Hormuz, Calls For ‘Immediate De-Escalation’

Published 29 July 2026 · india

‘Deeply Concerning’: India Condemns Attack On Ships In Hormuz, Calls For ‘Immediate De-Escalation’ Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 09:30 IST India urges immediate

‘Deeply Concerning’: India Condemns Attack On Ships In Hormuz, Calls For ‘Immediate De-Escalation’ Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 09:30 IST India urges immediate de-escalation in West Asia, condemning attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Ambassador Harish calls for restraint at UNSC. Commercial ships seen passing through the war-hit Strait of Hormuz. (Source: AFP) India on Tuesday called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions in West Asia, strongly condemning recent attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and urging an end to attacks on civilian shipping and infrastructure in the region. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, described the renewed violence after a brief lull as “deeply concerning" and appealed for restraint. “After a brief pause in the ongoing conflict in the region, there has been a worrying resumption of attacks and escalation of hostilities. This is deeply concerning and India calls for an immediate de-escalation of tensions," Harish said. ‘Attacks On Commercial Ships Affected Indian Nationals’ India specifically condemned the attacks on commercial vessels GFS Galaxy, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa while they were transiting through the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month. The attacks affected Indian nationals, with one Indian killed, another reported missing and several others injured, some of them seriously. “India has consistently condemned acts of violence targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz," Harish said.

Calling for the restoration of safe maritime trade routes, he added, “The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest." Highlighting India’s deep economic and strategic stakes in the region, Harish said peace and stability in West Asia were of critical importance to the country. He noted that India has annual bilateral trade of around US$180 billion with the region, cumulative foreign direct investment exceeding US$31 billion, and receives more than US$52 billion in annual remittances from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. He also pointed out that nearly 10 million Indians live and work across the Gulf region, making their safety and well-being a key priority for New Delhi. India On Humanitarian Situation In Gaza Turning to the humanitarian situation in Gaza, India urged the international community not to allow developments in the Strait of Hormuz to overshadow the worsening crisis in the Palestinian territory. “The loss of civilian lives and destruction of civilian infrastructure are pressing concerns that the international community must act on immediately, with a deep sense of urgency," Harish said. India reiterated its call for the full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2803, and highlighted its continued humanitarian support for Palestine. The envoy said India has provided nearly US$175 million in development and humanitarian assistance to Palestine and remains among the leading donors to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).