India's concern has increased regarding the increasing attacks in West Asia. India told the UN Security Council that the situation in this area is very worrying and there is a need to take concrete steps to reduce tension. India strongly condemned the attacks on airports, merchant ships and sailors in Saudi Arabia. India said that war and conflict will not benefit anyone, and stressed that dialogue and diplomatic methods are necessary to bring peace in the region.
#WATCH | At the UNSC Open Debate on the Middle East, Parvathaneni Harish, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, New York says, “…India has very high stakes in the safety, security and stability of the Middle East…10 million Indians live in the GCC countries, contributing to the economies of these nations. Their safety, security and well-being is a core interest and a vital part of our bilateral relationships. The escalation in hostilities in the region is deeply worrying. We call for restraint and de-escalation in what has developed into a principal challenge facing the international community today. Recent attacks against commercial shipping such as on the India-flagged MV DP World. Kaveri this week, on MT Walthera are deeply concerning. Several of these ships have Indian seafarers and their safety and security. India reiterates the need for immediate de-escalation and the resolution of the conflict. Diplomacy. Attacks on seafarers and civilian infrastructure must cease. The safety and security of seafarers remains a priority for Govt of India and these recurring attacks risk further aggravation of a very volatile situation…At the BRICS Summit last month, PM Narendra Modi proposed establishing a seafarers' emergency support network. authorities and embassies of the countries concerned and facilitate distress alerts, medical assistance, communication with families and support for evacuation when needed…”
(Video: Parvathaneni Harish/X)
— ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2026
India's Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the United Nations, Harish Parvatanyai, said in the Security Council meeting that peace and security in West Asia is most important for India. He paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the recent attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia. Indian citizen Mohammad Yusuf Ali also died in these attacks. India expressed solidarity with the Government and people of Saudi Arabia in their efforts to preserve their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
India has made it clear that attacks on merchant ships, sailors and common people should stop immediately. India also expressed concern over the recent incidents of targeting of several merchant ships, including the Indian-flagged MV DP World Kaveri. India said that it is an important responsibility of the government to ensure the safety of many Indian sailors, as there are a large number of Indian sailors on these ships.
India appreciated the cooperation of the authorities of Oman and the United Arab Emirates in helping the Indian sailors. India and Liberia have launched the 'Group of Friends' initiative through the United Nations for the protection of seafarers and maritime transport. 23 other member countries have also participated in this initiative. The main objective of this initiative is to prevent attacks at sea and increase international cooperation for maritime security.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also proposed to create an emergency help system for sailors. This system will make arrangements to provide medical help to the sailors, contact their families and help them in taking them to a safe place in difficult times. India expressed its support for the unity and independence of Yemen. It also made clear that ensuring the safety of maritime traffic in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and the southern Red Sea is a joint responsibility of the entire international community.
India also warned that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza should not be ignored due to rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. India reiterated its support for humanitarian aid, condemnation of terrorism and the role of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. India has so far provided financial assistance of more than US$ 52 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees.
Additionally, India also condemned the attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. India made it clear that targeting peacekeepers is not acceptable as they play a vital role in maintaining international peace and security. Apart from strengthening the Lebanese Army, India also stressed on ensuring the security of the United Nations base.
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