During a special meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNECOSOC) on May 17, 2023, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, voiced strong concerns regarding the targeting of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. He described such actions as 'unacceptable' and stressed the necessity for full respect of international law governing safe passage. This statement followed a recent attack on an India-flagged vessel on May 13, which was sailing off the coast of Oman when it was struck. Fortunately, all 14 crew members were rescued by Omani authorities. Harish highlighted the need for international cooperation and a mix of immediate and structural measures to tackle the ongoing energy and fertilizer crisis exacerbated by the conflict in West Asia. This conflict has seen escalating tensions, particularly since February 28, when the US and Israel began joint military actions against Iran, leading to retaliatory strikes. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route through which about 20% of the world’s energy supplies flow, has faced significant disruptions due to these hostilities.