India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations has raised concerns about the safety of nearly 10 million Indians in the Gulf, emphasizing the need for de-escalation in regional conflicts and condemning attacks on commercial shipping.
NEW YORK – In a significant address to the United Nations Security Council on July 28, 2026, India’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, underscored the critical need for the safety and well-being of approximately 10 million Indians residing and working in the Gulf region. His remarks came amid escalating tensions and a resurgence of violence in the Middle East, which have raised alarms about the security of international shipping and civilian lives.
During the Council’s Quarterly Open Debate on “The Situation in the Middle East,” Ambassador Harish noted a concerning pattern of attacks, specifically referencing incidents involving several vessels, including the GFS Galaxy, MT Al Bahiyah, and MT Mombasa, that occurred during their transit through the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz earlier this month. “This is deeply concerning,” he stated, calling for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities in the region. “We strongly condemn the recent attacks on several vessels,” he added, highlighting that these incidents have resulted in injuries to Indian nationals, including the death of one citizen and the disappearance of another.
Ambassador Harish reiterated India’s longstanding position against violence targeting seafarers and disrupting safe navigation in international waterways. He expressed a commitment to restoring free and unimpeded navigation in accordance with international law. “The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end,” he emphasized, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy as essential components for achieving peace, security, and stability in the Middle East.
Economic Ties and Regional Importance
In his address, Ambassador Harish elaborated on the immense importance of the Middle East to India, particularly in terms of economic interests. He pointed out that India’s bilateral trade with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stands at approximately USD 180 billion, with cumulative Foreign Direct Investment exceeding USD 31 billion. Additionally, remittances from Gulf nations amount to over USD 52 billion, underscoring the direct implications these ties have for India’s economy and energy security.
As the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East continues to evolve, Ambassador Harish reminded the Council that while attention is focused on the Strait of Hormuz, it is critical not to overlook the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. He called for immediate international action in response to the ongoing civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure, citing the need for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions, including UNSCR 2803. He voiced India’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people, revealing that India has pledged approximately USD 175 million in development assistance, humanitarian aid, and contributions to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East).
Ambassador Harish announced India’s commitment during the recent Palestine donor group meeting in Brussels, outlining plans to establish a specialty hospital, an artificial limb fitment center, and a vocational training institute in Palestine. He also mentioned ongoing projects like the construction of the Palestinian Institute of Diplomacy. “Even as we work on alleviating the humanitarian distress of the Palestinian people, we should simultaneously press ahead for a sustainable and durable political solution,” he stated. His remarks reaffirmed India’s long-standing support for the two-state solution, advocating for a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine coexisting peacefully alongside Israel.
International Peacekeeping and Regional Stability
Turning his focus to Lebanon, Ambassador Harish acknowledged the challenging circumstances faced by UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) peacekeepers. He emphasized that these forces serve under UN Security Council mandates and must not become targets themselves. “India has strongly condemned all attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers,” he said, reiterating the necessity of ensuring their safety and the sanctity of UN premises. He also highlighted the need for preparation for a post-UNIFIL scenario, advocating for support for the Lebanese Armed Forces.
On the situation in Syria, Ambassador Harish reaffirmed India’s support for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the principles of sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic in all diplomatic efforts. “We also reiterate our support to ongoing efforts in finding long-term solutions,” he added.
Regarding Yemen, Ambassador Harish reiterated India’s commitment to the country’s unity and territorial integrity while condemning attacks by Houthi forces on maritime navigation. He stated, “The protection of the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Southern Red Sea is a shared international responsibility and is a global interest.”
In conclusion, Ambassador Harish expressed that the people of the Middle East deserve “normalcy and lasting peace.” He reiterated India’s dedication to the broader concept of global well-being, guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or “The Whole World Is One Family.” He asserted that India remains committed to fostering a more secure, stable, and prosperous world.
