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India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, has said that the safety and well-being of the nearly 10 million Indians living and working in the Gulf region remain a key priority for the country.
Addressing the United Nations Security Council Quarterly Open Debate on “The Situation in the Middle East” at the United Nations on July 28, 2026, Ambassador Harish noted that, after a brief pause in the ongoing regional conflict, there has been a concerning “resumption of attacks” and “escalation of hostilities.”
“This is deeply concerning, and India calls for an immediate de-escalation of tensions. We strongly condemn the recent attacks on several vessels, GFS Galaxy, MT Al Bahiyah, and MT Mombasa among them, during their transit through the Strait of Hormuz this month,” the Ambassador told the Council.
Ambassador Harish said several Indian nationals were injured in the attacks, including some seriously. One Indian citizen was killed, while another remains missing. He added that India has consistently condemned acts of violence targeting seafarers and disrupting the free and safe navigation of international waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz.
“India strongly advocates a return to dialogue and diplomacy in the interests of peace, security, and stability in the region,” he said. “The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest.”
Describing the Middle East as a region of “immense” importance to India, Ambassador Harish said the country’s interests in the region’s security and stability are “high.” He noted that India’s trade and energy supply chains are closely linked to the region.
“With bilateral annual trade of around USD 180 billion, cumulative Foreign Direct Investment of over USD 31 billion, and remittances of more than USD 52 billion from the GCC alone, these linkages have direct implications for our economy and energy security,” he said.
Ambassador Harish also told the Council that global attention on the Strait of Hormuz should not divert focus from the worsening “humanitarian crisis” in the Gaza Strip.
He said the continued loss of civilian lives and destruction of civilian infrastructure require immediate action from the international community, adding, “We must continue to fully support the ongoing efforts through the full implementation of UNSC Resolutions, including UNSCR 2803.”
Highlighting India’s support for the Palestinian people, Ambassador Harish said the country has committed approximately USD 175 million in development assistance through projects, humanitarian aid, and contributions to UNRWA, among other initiatives.
“India has been a top emerging donor of UNRWA, and we have given operational flexibility to the UN agency for utilizing our contributions,” he said. He also announced that, during the Palestine donor group meeting in Brussels earlier this month, India committed to establishing a specialty hospital, an artificial limb fitment center, and a vocational training institute in Palestine. India’s ongoing projects also include 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. India’s long-standing support for the two-state solution is well known,” the Ambassador said. “India believes that a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace with Israel, within secure and recognized borders, is essential to a comprehensive and lasting solution.”
Turning to Lebanon, Ambassador Harish said UNIFIL peacekeepers continue to serve under “challenging circumstances.” He stressed that the Blue Helmets carry out UN Security Council mandates and must never become “targets,” noting that they serve the cause of international peace and security.
“India has strongly condemned all attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers. Their safety and security are a priority. The sanctity and inviolability of UN premises must be fully respected. Further, it is important to be ready for a post-UNIFIL scenario, and in this context, the Lebanese Armed Forces must receive requisite support and assistance,” he said.
On Syria, Ambassador Harish reiterated India’s support for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. He said the principles of “sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity” of the Syrian Arab Republic must remain central to all efforts.
“We also reiterate our support to ongoing efforts in finding long-term solutions,” he said.
Addressing the situation in Yemen, Ambassador Harish reaffirmed India’s commitment to the country’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, while rejecting any interference in its internal affairs.
“We further condemn attacks by Houthis on maritime navigation,” he said. “The protection of the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Southern Red Sea is a shared international responsibility and is a global interest.”
In his remarks, Ambassador Harish said the people of the Middle East need “normalcy and lasting peace.” He noted that India continues to be guided by its civilizational doctrine of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The Whole World Is One Family).
Therefore, he said, India is committed to “global well-being” and a more “secure, stable and prosperous world,” adding that the country will continue to be guided by that approach.
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