India appeals to all parties for safe navigation in Strait of Hormuz

Amid rising tensions in West Asia and ongoing attacks on commercial vessels, India has urged all parties to ensure free and secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. According to a report by India Today, the Indian government has expressed concern over the increasing risks to civilian shipping, seafarers, and regional stability.

According to information provided by PTI, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "We are continuously appealing for free and secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz." He further added that the government is in touch with all concerned parties to stop attacks on civilian vessels and seafarers, including ships under the Indian flag and Indian crew members.

This urgency follows an attack on a commercial vessel near Limah, Oman, on November 2, in which an Indian seafarer was killed. The Indian government had strongly condemned this attack.

This conflict in West Asia began following attacks on Iran by the USA and Israel in February. India continues to call for a resolution to this problem through constant dialogue and diplomatic channels.

On the other hand, regional tensions have escalated due to several attacks by the Houthi group on Saudi Arabia. India has expressed serious concern over attacks on Saudi Arabia's civilian infrastructure and economic assets. India has warned that such attacks damage regional stability and pose a threat to the freedom of navigation through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.

The Iran-backed Houthi militant group has also attacked Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline, which is critical for the supply of crude oil. Due to the conflict with Iran causing disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, this pipeline had become an important alternative route for Saudi oil exports.

These attacks have also increased concerns regarding the Bab-el-Mandeb shipping lane. This route, located between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, and is one of the world's most important maritime routes. As the attacks in West Asia are posing risks to regional stability as well as navigation on both the Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb routes, India has reiterated its demand for the protection of civilian shipping and seafarers.