UNITED NATIONS, Sep 18: India has called on the international community to ensure that navigational rights remain protected from coercion, threats, unlawful restrictions and arbitrary interference, warning that disruptions to major maritime routes can have far-reaching consequences for global peace, security and economic stability.
Addressing a United Nations Security Council Arria Formula meeting on “Safe Seas, Shared Security: Protecting Freedom of Navigation in an Evolving Security Environment” on Thursday, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, stressed the importance of maintaining a free, open, secure and rules based maritime domain.
“Recent disruptions to significant global maritime routes have underpinned a fundamental reality: the security of maritime routes are vital to international peace, security and global prosperity,” Parvathaneni said.
He noted that instability at key maritime chokepoints can affect countries far beyond the immediate area of conflict, particularly by creating risks to energy and food security.
According to the Indian envoy, disruption at one major chokepoint can place additional pressure on alternative routes, increase freight and insurance costs, interfere with energy and food supplies and disproportionately affect developing nations.
Against the backdrop of the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran and disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, India highlighted the need for international mechanisms capable of maintaining the movement of essential commercial and humanitarian supplies during periods of crisis.
“The international community must therefore move beyond responding to individual incidents by crafting practical arrangements to facilitate the continued movement of essential commercial and humanitarian supplies during crises,” he said.
Parvathaneni said the goal should not simply be to restore maritime movement after a crisis but to develop a resilient international system capable of absorbing shocks before they trigger broader economic and humanitarian consequences.
India also underlined that rights and freedoms of navigation and overflight must be exercised in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
“Commercial vessels must not become targets of geopolitical tensions,” the Indian envoy said.
The safety of seafarers was another major concern raised by India. With maritime personnel facing heightened risks during conflicts, Parvathaneni called for greater international attention to their protection, evacuation and welfare.
He stressed the need for coordinated evacuation arrangements for seafarers in conflict zones, with clearly defined responsibilities for states and international organisations.
Their safety, timely evacuation, medical assistance, crew changes and repatriation require effective contingency planning and stronger international cooperation, he said.
Parvathaneni urged countries with significant interests in maritime safety and the security of shipping and seafarers to work together to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms.
India also drew attention to emerging maritime threats, including attacks involving unmanned systems, cyber risks and interference with navigation and communication networks.
The envoy said international cooperation, capacity building and the responsible use of technology would be essential to addressing these evolving challenges.
India’s intervention underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to maritime security that protects shipping routes, safeguards seafarers and ensures that vital commercial and humanitarian supplies can continue to move even during periods of geopolitical instability.