India calls out 'unacceptable' attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz, shares 3-point plan for regional stability

India on Thursday (Apr 16) issued its strongest diplomatic rebuke yet regarding the ongoing maritime crisis, labelling the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz as "unacceptable." Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Ambassador Harish P emphasised that the targeting of commercial vessels directly threatens India’s national energy security and has already claimed the lives of Indian seafarers.

India deplores military attacks on civilian vessels

The Ambassador explicitly linked the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to India’s energy and economic security. As a primary maritime corridor for global oil and gas, any prolonged "impeding" of this route poses an existential threat to India’s domestic price stability and industrial output, he noted.

India’s Stance on Middle East Maritime Tensions
Ambassador Harish P emphasised that the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region—escalating since February 28, 2026—poses a direct threat to international trade.

India confirms human cost of Hormuz crisis

Highlighting the human cost of the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, the Indian ambassador noted that Indian nationals have been among the victims. "The precious lives of Indian seafarers aboard ships have been lost during the course of the conflict," he added.

Strongly condemning the attacks on civilian maritime vessels, he called for adherence to international norms.

“We reiterate that the targeting of commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members or otherwise impeding the freedom of navigation and commerce in the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable.”

"International law in this regard must be fully respected. We strongly urge that safe and unimpeded freedom of navigation and global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz be restored at the earliest," Harish added.

India’s 3-point plan for regional stability

Sharing India's plan for the region's stability, Harish stressed the importance of de-escalation, sovereignty, and diplomacy.

"Since the outbreak of the conflict in Iran and the Gulf region on the 28th of February 2026, India had expressed deep concern and urged all states to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritize safety of civilians," he said.

India also urged sustained diplomatic engagement to resolve the underlying issues. "We have urged all states to promote dialogue and diplomacy and de-escalation of tensions and to purposefully address underlying issues," he added.

Reaffirming its stance on sovereignty, Harish said, “We have also called for respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.”

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