New Delhi: India has strongly condemned the targeting of commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, labelling such actions as “highly deplorable and unacceptable.” The nation underscored the critical importance of maritime security and the safety of global trade routes, particularly in light of the impact on its own seafarers.
UN Security Council Address Highlights Concerns
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Ms. Yogna Patel, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, voiced these concerns during a debate at the UN Security Council. She emphasized that the ongoing situation in the Strait of Hormuz poses significant risks to India’s energy and economic security. Patel stated that attempts to target commercial vessels and endanger civilian crews are unacceptable, especially given that such incidents have led to the tragic loss of Indian seafarers’ lives.
India, a major trading nation, reiterated its commitment to the principles of freedom of navigation and unimpeded global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that these must be upheld in accordance with international law. The country urged for the swift restoration of safe and unrestricted maritime passage for all vessels.
Impact on Indian Seafarers and Global Supply Chains
India plays a substantial role in the global maritime industry, supplying approximately 13 per cent of the world’s seafaring workforce. Patel highlighted India’s deep concern for the safety and welfare of its seafarers, noting that any disruptions to vital waterways directly impact the global economy, energy supplies, and humanitarian supply chains.
The Ministry of External Affairs had previously reported that eight Indian seafarers had died in the Strait due to recent conflicts, with the whereabouts of one seafarer still unknown. These statements follow incidents where Indian-flagged merchant vessels, the crude oil tanker Sanmar Herald and the bulk carrier Jag Arnav, were reportedly targeted by Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz around April 17-18, 2026. Although no injuries were reported on those occasions and the crews remained safe, India had lodged a protest against these actions.
Geopolitical Significance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint for international shipping, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the open ocean. A significant portion of the world’s oil supply transits through this narrow waterway, making its security paramount to global economic stability. India, heavily reliant on imported oil, has a vested interest in maintaining the free flow of maritime traffic in the region. The repeated targeting of commercial shipping in this sensitive area raises broader international security concerns and calls for diplomatic resolution to ensure the safety of maritime trade and personnel.
The Chenab Times News Desk