India cautions against pressure endangering freedom of navigation at the UNSC.

India warned that maritime insecurity has consequences that go well beyond immediate dangers, telling a UN Security Council meeting that navigational rights must not be subject to intimidation, threats, illegal limitations, or arbitrary interference. India stated that safe marine pathways are crucial for world peace, stability, and prosperity while speaking at an Arria-Formula conference on safe seas and freedom of navigation.

India added that recent delays to important shipping lanes, such as at the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing US-Israeli conflict against Iran, have demonstrated how swiftly maritime instability may impact food and energy security. It demanded sensible plans to guarantee the continuous flow of vital commercial and humanitarian commodities in times of emergency.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, said, “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.” He added, “It has implications across regions of the globe, particularly in terms of energy and food security.”

Addressing the UNSC meeting titled ‘Safe Seas, Shared Security: Protecting Freedom of Navigation in an Evolving Security Environment’, Parvathaneni said, “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.” He said, “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 added, “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.”

India voiced strong support for a free, open, secure and rules-based maritime domain. Parvathaneni said, “Rights and freedoms of navigation and overflight should be consistent with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and must be fully respected. Commercial vessels must not become targets of geopolitical tensions.” He also said, “Equally vital are coordinated evacuation frameworks for seafarers in conflict zones, with clear responsibilities among States and international organisations.”

India voiced strong support for a free, open, secure and rules-based maritime domain. Parvathaneni said, “Rights and freedoms of navigation and overflight should be consistent with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and must be fully respected. Commercial vessels must not become targets of geopolitical tensions.” He also said, “Equally vital are coordinated evacuation frameworks for seafarers in conflict zones, with clear responsibilities among States and international organisations.”

“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,” he said, while calling on countries with a major stake in shipping safety and seafarer security to work together.

Additionally, he emphasised that international cooperation, capacity-building, and the responsible use of technology would be crucial. He said that India recognises the growing importance of addressing emerging threats, such as attacks involving unmanned systems, cyber risks, and interference with navigation and communications. Overall, India informed the UNSC that the global response must continue to prioritise preserving freedom of navigation, protecting seafarers, and equipping marine systems to resist shocks.