India Condemns Targeting of Commercial Shipping in Strait of Hormuz

India has condemned the targeting of commercial shipping amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, pressing for the restoration of unimpeded navigation through the vital Strait of Hormuz. The call was made by India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, during a United Nations General Assembly debate.

Highlighting the Strait's critical importance for energy and economic security, Parvathaneni expressed deep concern over the military attacks on commercial vessels and the resultant threat to civilian lives. He urged respect for international law and emphasized dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the tensions and underlying issues in the region.

The situation has significantly disrupted global oil and gas trade, with ship movements plummeting, a trend that could lead to far-reaching economic hardship worldwide. UN bodies have echoed concerns, noting significant drops in vessel traffic and the impact on global supply chains amid the ongoing crisis.

(With inputs from agencies.)