India Flags Concern at UN Over Targeting of Vessels in Strait of Hormuz

India has strongly raised concerns at the United Nations over repeated attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz , warning that targeting civilian vessels and endangering crew members is unacceptable and a serious violation of international law governing freedom of navigation.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish , voiced the country’s position during a special meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNECOSOC) focused on safeguarding global energy and supply chains . He stressed that safe passage for commercial shipping must be fully protected under international law and cannot be compromised under any circumstances.

His remarks came just days after an India flagged commercial vessel was attacked off the coast of Oman . The ship, which was travelling from Somalia, came under assault on May 13 . Omani authorities later rescued all 14 crew members on board. However, the identity of those responsible for the strike has not yet been confirmed.

The incident occurred amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz , a strategically vital waterway through which nearly one fifth of global energy supplies pass. The region has seen heightened instability due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia , which has severely disrupted maritime security and energy flows.

Harish highlighted that India’s approach to the crisis combines both immediate and long term measures, along with stronger international cooperation to stabilise energy and fertiliser supply chains. He also reiterated that repeated attacks on commercial vessels not only threaten civilian lives but also risk deepening global economic uncertainty.

In his statement on social media platform X , he reaffirmed India’s position that such attacks are unacceptable and that international law must be fully respected to ensure the safety of maritime trade routes.

India has previously described the attack on its vessel as unacceptable. Reports indicate that at least two other Indian flagged ships have faced similar attacks since the escalation of tensions in the region, underscoring growing concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors.