"Stop war actions right away": German Envoy calls for diplomatic solution to West Asia conflict
New Delhi, July 30
Calling for an immediate halt to hostilities in West Asia, German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann has expressed deep concern over the impact of the regional conflict on maritime security and highlighted the loss of lives among Indian maritime personnel.
Speaking to ANI on how the crisis in West Asia is affecting regional stability and maritime security, Ackermann said, "We should stop any war actions, which should stop right away. I'm very sorry to see how many Indian seafarers have lost their lives over the last couple of weeks. It's a very dangerous profession all of a sudden."
Emphasising the strategic importance of critical sea lanes for Asian economies, the envoy noted, "The Strait of Hormuz is hugely important for India, for Japan, and for Korea. One should do the utmost to come to a diplomatic solution. I'm more hopeful that this will be the case here than in Russia and Ukraine."
Ackermann's concerns mirror growing alarm in New Delhi over the intensifying conflict in West Asia.
India has voiced strong disapproval of recent strikes targeting commercial ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz, demanding the immediate resumption of unrestricted maritime trade across international shipping channels.
Addressing a UN Security Council open debate on the Middle East situation on Tuesday, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, highlighted the strategic significance of the region to New Delhi, stating, "After a brief pause in the ongoing conflict in the region, there has been a worrying resumption of attacks and escalation of hostilities. This is deeply concerning and India calls for an immediate de-escalation of tensions."
Denouncing the attacks on commercial ships, including the GFS Galaxy, MT Al Bahiyah, and MT Mombasa, while transiting the vital choke point this month, Harish said, "Several Indian citizens were injured, including some seriously, one Indian tragically lost his life, and one is missing, in these attacks. India has consistently condemned acts of violence targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz."
Stressing the imperative to halt strikes on civilian supply chains and commercial maritime traffic, the Indian envoy urged, "The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored."
The UN noted that commercial vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz plummeted following Tehran's declaration closing the waterway on July 11, after fresh attacks on merchant shipping earlier in the month.
Data from the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific revealed that daily ship transits, which previously averaged over 100 before the conflict and briefly recovered to 49 by July 7, dropped to between 8 and 15 by mid-July.
These maritime disruptions carry significant economic weight for New Delhi, as the ambassador underlined that India retains substantial stakes in the stability of West Asia, with its critical energy supplies and international trade heavily reliant on the region.
New Delhi maintains deep commercial ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council, accounting for approximately USD 180 billion in annual bilateral trade, exceeding USD 31 billion in cumulative Foreign Direct Investment, and generating over USD 52 billion in inbound remittances.
Emphasising the safety of the Indian diaspora residing across the Gulf, which numbers nearly 10 million, Harish reiterated that "Their safety and well-being are a key priority for us," while advocating a swift return to diplomatic dialogue to secure long-term regional stability.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's heartbreaking to hear of Indian sailors losing their lives in this conflict 😢. Strait of Hormuz is literally our economic lifeline—over 80% of India's oil imports pass through there. We cannot afford another war in our neighborhood. Diplomatic solution is the only way forward, but India must also build alternative trade routes like Chabahar and the International North-South Transport Corridor.
The German ambassador makes a valid point about the Strait of Hormuz being critical for Asian economies. But I have to ask—why do we keep expecting diplomacy to work after multiple failed attempts? When your enemy doesn't respect international law, talks become meaningless. India needs to project naval power in the Arabian Sea and show we won't tolerate attacks on our ships.
Good to see Germany taking a balanced position unlike some other Western nations that fuel conflicts for oil. But where was the global outrage when Houthis attacked Indian seafarers? Our Navy has done commendable work protecting ships, but we need a UNSC resolution specifically targeting attacks on commercial vessels. Also, why can't India expedite the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor as a backup? 🚢
The $180 billion trade with Gulf countries and 10 million Indians working there—this is not just a foreign policy issue, it's about lives and livelihood. Our government must prioritize evacuation plans and insurance for seafarers. And frankly, India should use its good offices with both Iran and Saudi Arabia to broker peace. We have the credibility to mediate. 🇮🇳
Respectfully, I disagree with the German envoy
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.