India, July 30 -- Describing the escalation of hostilities in West Asia as "deeply concerning", India has strongly condemned recent attacks on several maritime vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, calling for the restoration of unimpeded navigation and trade through international waterways in the region.

Terming West Asia as a region of "immense importance" to India, Permanent Representative of India to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said, "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."

Addressing a UN Security Council open debate on the situation in the Midd...