00:01Mr. President, since the outbreak of the conflict in Iran and the Gulf region on the 28th of
00:09February, 2026, India had expressed deep concern and urged all states to exercise restraint,
00:16avoid escalation, and prioritize safety of civilians. We have urged all states to promote
00:23dialogue and diplomacy and de-escalation of tensions and to purposefully address underlying
00:30issues. We have also called for respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity of all
00:37states. An aspect of particular concern for India for its energy and economic security relates to
00:45commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. India has deplored the fact that commercial shipping
00:51was made a target of military attacks in this conflict. The precious lives of Indian seafarers
00:58aboard ships have been lost during the course of the conflict. We reiterate that the targeting of
01:06commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding the
01:11freedom of navigation and commerce in the Strait of Hormuz, are unacceptable. International law in
01:18this regard must be fully respected. We strongly urge that safe and unimpeded freedom of navigation
01:24and global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz be restored at the earliest. I thank you, Mr. President.
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