India's Neutral Stance Amidst Tensions in the Hormuz Strait: What’s Next?

India's Position on Hormuz Strait Attacks

United Nations: India has expressed its concerns regarding the recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Hormuz Strait while maintaining a neutral position on the veto exercised by Russia and China against a Security Council resolution aimed at halting these assaults.

During a General Assembly session on the veto, India's Permanent Representative emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, urging all nations to work towards de-escalating tensions and addressing the root causes of the conflict.

He stated, "We have also called for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states."

This meeting was held under a procedural requirement that mandates permanent members who veto resolutions to explain their actions within ten days.

On April 7, Russia and China exercised their veto against a resolution proposed by Bahrain, which sought to demand that Iran cease its attacks on commercial shipping and ensure freedom of navigation.

Both Moscow and Beijing defended their veto during the Assembly, while the US, Israel, and several Gulf States criticized the decision.

In a concise 90-second statement, Harish avoided taking sides but reiterated India's commitment to freedom of navigation in the Strait.

"A significant concern for India, in terms of energy and economic security, is the commercial shipping that passes through the Strait of Hormuz," he remarked.

This Strait is crucial, accounting for 20% of global fossil fuel traffic, and any disruption has direct implications for India.

"India has condemned the targeting of commercial shipping in this conflict," he added, noting the tragic loss of Indian seafarers' lives during these incidents.

"We assert that targeting commercial vessels and jeopardizing innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise obstructing navigation and trade in the Strait of Hormuz, is unacceptable. International law must be upheld in this context," he stated.

Following the attacks on ships in the Strait after the US-Israel strikes on February 28, President Donald Trump imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.

While India maintained a neutral stance regarding the vetoes, it co-sponsored a resolution on March 11 that condemned Iran's attacks on its Middle Eastern neighbors.

Russia and China abstained from voting on that resolution, allowing it to pass.

In explaining their veto, Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative Anna M Evstigneeva described the resolution as one-sided, claiming it ignored the actions of Israel and the US that contributed to the conflict.

She argued that it would have granted unconditional approval for the continuation and escalation of hostilities.

China's Permanent Representative Fu Cong expressed that while Beijing recognized the concerns of Bahrain and Gulf nations, it vetoed the resolution to avoid legitimizing unauthorized military actions.

Kuwait's Permanent Representative Tareq M A M Albanai, speaking on behalf of the Gulf States and Jordan, criticized the veto, labeling it a response to a clear threat to international peace and security.

He announced that Gulf countries would propose another resolution following extensive consultations for consensus.

US Permanent Representative Mike Waltz accused China and Russia of ignoring Iran's aggression towards its neighbors and its detrimental impact on the global economy.

He claimed that Iran's actions have contributed to a food crisis by obstructing vital shipments, including fertilizers, from reaching South Asia in time for the planting season.

"It is evident who has chosen obstruction over accountability," he concluded.