United Nations Security Council Meeting on Yemen

(13 October 2022)

India Statement

    Thank you, Mr. President. I thank Hans Grundberg and Joyce Msuya for their updates on latest developments in Yemen.

2.    India is deeply disappointed to learn that the parties have not agreed to an extension and expansion of the truce. We have seen the tangible benefits of the truce in the past six months:  active military operations had ceased; cross-border strikes into Yemen’s neighbours had halted; civilian casualties had dropped significantly; fuel imports through Hudaydah port had eased shortages; and international commercial flights out of Sana’a airport had resumed. We welcome the commitment shown by the Government of Yemen in implementing the truce agreements in good faith.

3.    It is time for warring parties to take a human-centric approach to the conflict and not merely view it as a military or political game. We take note that negotiations on truce renewal, facilitated by the Special Envoy, are underway and, we hope that a mutually satisfactory agreement is reached soon. 

4.    We appreciate the flexibility shown by the Yemeni Government on the proposals made by the Special Envoy. We urge Ansarallah to reciprocate this flexibility and engage with the Special Envoy constructively. In the meantime, we also urge all parties to maintain the spirit of the truce and refrain from provocations or any military action that could lead to resumption of active hostilities.

5.    The conflict so far has already resulted in unprecedented humanitarian tragedy in Yemen with enormous loss of lives, endangering millions of civilians with chronic food insecurity, as well as exacerbating the miseries of the people, particularly for women and children. The only sustainable solution to the conflict is a peacefully negotiated, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political settlement that prioritizes the well-being of all Yemenis and meets their legitimate aspirations.

5.     I will conclude, Mr. President, by reaffirming India’s strong commitment to Yemen’s unity, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The Government of India will remain steadfast and unwavering in its continued support to the people of Yemen in their endeavor to seek peace, stability, and economic development. I thank you.

***