India Calls Middle East Escalation 'Deeply Worrying', Condemns Attacks on Saudi Airports and Seafarers

India has expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East, describing the situation as "deeply worrying" while condemning attacks on civilian infrastructure including Saudi airports, commercial vessels and Indian seafarers. Addressing a United Nations Security Council debate on Thursday, India's Permanent Representative Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni emphasised that India has substantial stakes in the region's safety and stability.

"The people of the Middle East need normalcy and lasting peace," Parvathaneni said, calling for restraint and de-escalation in what has become a principal challenge for the international community. He stressed India's commitment to regional well-being and security.

The envoy strongly condemned recent strikes on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, which have resulted in several deaths including an Indian citizen, Mohammad Yousef Ali, in Riyadh. Parvathaneni declared India's complete solidarity with Saudi Arabia in defence of its sovereignty. He also stressed that attacks on merchant vessels and seafarers are "legally and morally indefensible" and called for upholding freedom of navigation under international law. The ambassador reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain essential to resolving the conflict.