India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, condemned the targeting of commercial shipping and the endangerment of civilian crews in the Strait of Hormuz as “unacceptable.” His comments were made during a special meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNECOSOC) aimed at addressing energy and supply flow security. This statement follows a recent attack on an India-flagged vessel off the coast of Oman, which left all 14 crew members rescued by Omani authorities. The assailants behind the attack remain unidentified.
During the UNECOSOC meeting, Harish emphasized India’s strategy in response to the ongoing energy and fertilizer crisis exacerbated by the conflict in West Asia. He highlighted the necessity for a blend of immediate and structural measures, coupled with international collaboration, to effectively tackle the crisis. He reiterated the importance of adhering to international law to ensure the safety of maritime navigation.
The attack on the Indian vessel occurred on May 13, amidst heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway for global energy supplies. This region has seen significant disruptions since the conflict began on February 28, following joint military actions by the US and Israel against Iran, which have prompted retaliatory strikes. India has previously categorized such attacks as “unacceptable,” with at least two other Indian-flagged ships facing similar threats since the outbreak of hostilities. The UNECOSOC meeting focused on safeguarding energy and supply flows to support global development through international cooperation.
