Permanent Mission of India
New York
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UNSC Arria-Formula meeting on

“Safe Seas, Shared Security: Protecting Freedom of Navigation in an Evolving Security Environment”

Statement by Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni,  Permanent Representative
17 September 2026

Thank you Chair,

            India thanks the Kingdom of Bahrain for convening this Arria-formula meeting. We also thank the briefers for their remarks on this important issue.

Chair,

2. 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. It has implications across regions of the globe, particularly in terms of energy and food security.

3. India is a major maritime nation and we strongly support a free, open, secure and rules-based maritime domain. Rights and freedoms of navigation and overflight should be consistent with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, must be fully respected. Commercial vessels must not become targets of geopolitical tensions. Navigational rights must not be subject to coercion, threats, unlawful restrictions or arbitrary interference. Equally vital are coordinated evacuation frameworks for seafarers in conflict zones, with clear responsibilities among States and international organizations.

4. The recent experience also demonstrates that maritime insecurity has consequences well beyond the immediate threat. Disruptions at one chokepoint can increase pressure on alternative routes, raise freight and insurance costs, disrupt energy and food supplies and adversely affect developing countries. 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.

5. India has been contributing in a sustained manner for Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific Region. As on 14 September 2026, continued maritime security operations in Gulf of Aden/Red Sea have ensured safe transit of more than 449 Merchant Vessels carrying nearly 20.3 Million Metric Tons of Cargo/oil, worth more than 8.4 Billion USD. Consequent to deterioration of the security situation in West Asia, Indian Navy launched Op Urja Suraksha and by 13 Mar 2026, 11 Indian Navy units were mission deployed in the Western Arabian Sea for protection of trade.

6. India believes that existing mechanisms should be better coordinated, with due respect for the sovereignty and jurisdiction of coastal States. In this regard we would like to highlight that, the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), has been a useful platform for developing maritime domain awareness (MDA).  We are happy to note that India’s IFC-IOR is now included as a reporting centre in the IMO Best Management Practices Maritime Security (BMP MS). We would seek the kind support of concerned States as we propose addition of IFC-IOR in the IMO MSC (Maritime Safety Committee) Resolution 324(89) as it would greatly enhance global maritime security. 

7. Seafarers must remain at the centre of our collective efforts. Their safety, timely evacuation, medical assistance, crew changes and repatriation require effective contingency planning and international cooperation. Their Safety and Security require much greater attention in the present circumstances. Countries with considerable interest in terms of Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers must come together.

Chair,

8. India also recognizes the growing importance of addressing emerging threats, including attacks involving unmanned systems, cyber risks and interference with navigation and communications. International cooperation, capacity-building and responsible use of technology will be critical in addressing these challenges.

Chair,

9. The objective should not merely be to restore navigation after a crisis, but to build a maritime system capable of withstanding shocks before they cascade into wider economic and humanitarian crises.

10. India stands ready to work constructively with Member States to strengthen maritime security, protect seafarers, uphold navigational freedoms and ensure resilient and uninterrupted international commerce.

Thank you, Chair.