New Delhi: India has strongly condemned attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, describing them as “unacceptable” and a threat to global maritime security.
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, said attacks targeting civilian crew members and disrupting freedom of navigation could not be justified under any circumstances. He made the remarks during a special meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Council on safeguarding global energy and supply chains.
His comments came days after an India-flagged commercial vessel was attacked off the coast of Oman amid rising tensions in West Asia. All 14 crew members aboard the ship, which was travelling from Somalia, were rescued safely by Omani authorities. However, the identity of the attackers is yet to be confirmed.
The May 13 attack has intensified concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s energy supplies pass.
Officials said at least two other India-flagged vessels have also faced attacks since tensions in the region escalated earlier this year, raising fears over the safety of international shipping and energy supply routes.
