New Delhi, July 9:
India on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the escalating security situation in West Asia following recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, urging all parties to exercise restraint and return to dialogue and diplomacy.
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the developments pose a serious threat to regional peace, stability and global economic interests, particularly the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies and maritime trade.
“India is deeply concerned over the recent escalation of tensions in West Asia… Such developments undermine regional peace, security and stability and threaten the uninterrupted flow of global energy supplies and maritime commerce,” the MEA said.
The government called for immediate de-escalation and stressed the importance of safeguarding civilian lives and ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels through international sea lanes.
The statement comes after a series of attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest and most strategic maritime routes. Among the targeted ships were a Qatari LNG carrier, a Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker and another commercial vessel that suffered structural damage.
Tensions further intensified after the United States launched strikes on multiple Iranian military targets, including air defence systems and naval assets, in response to the attacks.
With nearly a fifth of global oil supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the situation has raised concerns over energy security worldwide. For India, which relies heavily on crude imports from the Gulf, the developments are particularly significant.
Reiterating its longstanding position, India emphasised that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving conflicts and ensuring lasting peace in the region.