India tells UN maritime security & countering terrorism vital to national security & economic interests

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, P. Harish, told the Security Council that countering terrorism and ensuring maritime safety are vital to India’s national security and economic interests.

Speaking at a debate on maritime security, Mr. Harish outlined India’s broad maritime strategy, addressing both state-based threats and nontraditional challenges like terrorism, piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing. He highlighted India’s integrated approach, including surveillance, rapid response, regional diplomacy, global cooperation, and infrastructure development, aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s MAHASAGAR initiative (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

Mr. Harish cited the Indian Navy’s recent



deployment of over 35 ships in the Western Arabian Sea, responding to 30 incidents, rescuing 520 crew members, and protecting 312 merchant vessels carrying cargo worth $5.3 billion. He also noted India’s role in countering Houthi attacks, tackling piracy in the Red Sea, and conducting typhoon relief operations in Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.

India continues joint naval drills with global partners, including the AIKYAME, a six-day exercise co-hosted by Tanzania, with participation from 10 African nations.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis echoed concerns over rising maritime threats, citing piracy, terrorism, and hybrid attacks on critical infrastructure.