Permanent Mission of India
New York
--
United Nations Security Council Quarterly Open Debate on The Situation
in the Middle East
Statement by Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, Permanent Representative
28 July 2026

Madam President,

India thanks the Democratic Republic of Congo for convening today’s Open Debate. I also thank the briefer for his insightful remarks.

2. Middle East, which is West Asia, is a region of immense importance to India. Our stakes in the security and stability of the region are high. India’s trade and energy supply chains are strongly linked to this region. With bilateral annual trade of around USD 180 billion, cumulative Foreign Direct Investment of over USD 31 billion, and remittance of more than USD 52 billion from GCC alone, these linkages have direct implications for our economy and energy security. Around 10 million Indians live and work in the Gulf region. Their safety and well being are a key priority for us.

3. After a brief pause in the ongoing conflict in the region, there has been a worrying 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. Several Indian citizens were injured, including some seriously, one Indian tragically lost his life, and one is missing, in these attacks. India has consistently condemned acts of violence targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz. India strongly advocates a return to dialogue and diplomacy in the interests of peace, security and stability in the region. 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.

Madam President,

4- يجب ألا يصرف تركيزُ العالم على مضيق هرمز انتباهَنا عن الأزمة الإنسانية المأساوية في قطاع غزة. إن خسارة أرواح المدنيين وتدمير البنية التحتية المدنية هما من الشواغل الماسة التي يتعين على المجتمع الدولي التحرك بشأنها فوراً، وبشكل مٌلح. ويجب علينا مواصلة الدعم الكامل للجهود الجارية من خلال التنفيذ الكامل لقرارات مجلس الأمن التابع للأمم المتحدة، بما في ذلك القرار رقم 2803.

5- وتلتزم الهند التزاماً ثابتاً بالجهود التي تحدث أثراً ملموساً في الحياة اليومية للفلسطينيين. وتبلغ قيمة المساعدات التنموية التي تقدمها الهند للجانب الفلسطيني نحو 175 مليون دولار أمريكي. وقد اتخذت هذه المساعدات أشكالاً متعددة، تراوحت بين المشروعات التنموية والمساعدات الإنسانية والمساهمات المقدمة لوكالة الأونروا، وغيرها من أشكال المساعدات الأخرى. وتُعد الهند من أبرز المانحين لوكالة الأونروا، وقد منحنا هذه الوكالة الأممية مرونة تشغيلية لاستغلال مساهماتنا. وفي وقت سابق من هذا الشهر، وخلال اجتماع مجموعة المانحين لفلسطين في بروكسل، أعلنت الهند عن التزامها بإنشاء مستشفى متخصص، ومركز لتركيب الأطراف الاصطناعية، ومعهد للتدريب المهني في فلسطين. وتشمل المشروعات الجارية للهند بناء المعهد الدبلوماسي الفلسطيني.

6- وحتى مع عملنا على تخفيف المعاناة الإنسانية للشعب الفلسطيني، يتعين علينا في الوقت نفسه المضي قدماً للتوصل إلى حل سياسي مستدام ودائم. إن دعم الهند الراسخ والطويل الأمد لحل الدولتين أمر معروف للجميع. وتؤمن الهند بأن قيام دولة فلسطينية ذات سيادة ومستقلة وقابلة للحياة، تعيش جنباً إلى جنب في سلام مع إسرائيل، ضمن حدود آمنة

Madam President,

7. On Lebanon, the Blue Helmets serve in challenging circumstances. UNIFIL peacekeepers pursue UN Security Council mandates and therefore, must never become targets. 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.

8. On Syria, we stress the importance of a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process, in line with UNSC Resolution 2254. 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.

9. On Yemen, India reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Yemen and rejection of any interference in its internal affairs. We further condemn attacks by Houthis on maritime navigation. The protection of the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Southern Red Sea is a shared international responsibility and is a global interest.

Madam President,

10. The people of the Middle East need normalcy and lasting peace. As a member state guided by our civilizational doctrine of ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam’ (The whole World is one family), India is committed to global well-being and a more secure, stable and prosperous world. India will continue to be driven by this approach.

I thank you, Madam President.

***

(English translation of paragraphs 4 to 6, in Arabic, is placed below.)

4. World’s focus on the Strait of Hormuz must not divert our attention away from the dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. The loss of civilian lives and destruction of civilian infrastructure are pressing concerns that the international community must act on immediately, with a deep sense of urgency. We must continue to fully support the ongoing efforts through the full implementation of UNSC Resolutions, including UNSCR 2803.

5. India is firmly committed to efforts that make a tangible impact on the daily lives of the Palestinians. India’s development assistance to the cause amounts to around USD 175 million. This has taken various forms, ranging from development projects, humanitarian assistance and contributions to UNRWA, among others. India has been a top emerging donor of UNRWA and we have given operational flexibility to the UN Agency for utilizing our contributions. Earlier this month, at the Palestine donor group meeting in Brussels, India announced its commitment to the setting up of a specialty hospital, an artificial limb fitment centre and a vocational training institute for Palestine. India’s ongoing projects include the construction of the Palestinian Institute of Diplomacy.

6. 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. 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.