Amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East, concerns have been raised about the safety of maritime commercial traffic in the Indian Ocean. R. Ravindra, the Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, expressed these concerns during a UN Security Council Open Debate on the Middle East.
Mr. Ravindra highlighted that the conflict is impacting the safety of maritime commercial traffic in the Indian Ocean, with reported attacks in the vicinity of India. He emphasized that this situation is of great concern to the international community and directly affects India’s energy and economic interests. Mr. Ravindra stressed that the ongoing conflict is not beneficial to any party involved and needs to be recognized as such.
India’s stance, as conveyed by Mr. Ravindra, has consistently emphasized the importance of preventing escalation and ensuring the continued delivery of humanitarian aid. He underscored the need to address the humanitarian situation earnestly, welcoming the efforts of the UN and the international community in this regard.
India has taken practical steps to assist in the crisis, having delivered relief material to the Palestinian people in Gaza. Additionally, India provided USD 5 million, including USD 2.5 million in December, to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This financial support aims to bolster the agency’s core programs and services, covering education, healthcare, relief, and social services for Palestinian refugees.
Mr. Ravindra reiterated India’s longstanding support for a Two-State solution, advocating for the Palestinian people to live freely in an independent country within secure borders, while acknowledging Israel’s security needs. He emphasized that a Two-State solution achieved through direct and meaningful negotiations is the path to enduring peace. Mr. Ravindra called upon all parties to de-escalate, avoid violence, refrain from provocative actions, and work towards creating conditions for the early resumption of direct peace negotiations.
In a related speech, Uzra Zeya, Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights of the United States, urged Israeli leaders to take feasible precautions to minimize civilian harm in accordance with international law. She highlighted Hamas’ role in initiating the conflict and condemned attacks in the broader region by Iran and its proxies. Stressing that a Two-State solution, with Israel’s security guaranteed, is the only guarantor of peace, she advocated for a strong Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Gaza.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the Security Council, asserting that any refusal to accept the Two-State solution must be firmly rejected. He expressed concern over Israeli leaders’ clear and repeated rejection of a Two-State solution, emphasizing that such a stance is unacceptable.
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