India at UN: Even though the ceasefire continues between America and Iran, tension still remains between the two countries. The situation on the Strait of Hormuz is critical. The situation can worsen again any time. Meanwhile, India raised the issue of security of ships in the Strait of Hormuz in the United Nations. India took a strong stand on this and said in clear words that attacking and targeting ships in Hormuz, endangering the crew and disrupting the freedom of movement of ships is completely unacceptable. India stressed that international law must be respected at all costs.
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Parvataneni Harish said these things in a special meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNECOSOC). He also stressed on a combination of short-term and long-term measures to effectively deal with the current crisis. The meeting was called with the aim of securing global energy and supply flows.
This statement from India in the United Nations came at a time when recently an Indian flagged ship was attacked near the coast of Oman. The ship was coming from Somalia. Meanwhile, it was attacked on 13 May. However, all 14 crew members on board the ship were safely rescued by Omani authorities. The Government of India has already said that such an incident is unacceptable.
Iran’s new shipping mechanism for Hormuz
Iran has announced the creation of a professional and systematic mechanism to effectively control maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s national security committee, said that under the new arrangement, only those commercial ships and parties that fully cooperate with Iran will be able to use the route. He clarified that fees will also be charged for these special services. Also, this route will be completely closed for operators associated with the so-called ‘Freedom Project’.