India has called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to make mitigating the humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts an immediate priority, warning that disruptions caused by wars are increasingly threatening global food security.

Speaking at a UNSC open debate titled “Food Under Fire: The Security Council’s Role in Mitigating Global and Local Food Crises” on Tuesday, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, P. Harish, said conflicts were creating consequences that extend well beyond the areas where fighting is taking place. 

Conflicts Threaten Food Security

Harish said disruptions to energy markets, fertiliser supplies, maritime transport, humanitarian logistics and agricultural trade were allowing regional conflicts to create wider pressure on food supplies.

“Today’s conflicts increasingly generate ripple effects far beyond the immediate theatre of hostilities,” he said.

India's intervention comes amid concerns over disruptions to major trade and shipping routes, which can affect the movement and cost of food, fertilisers and other essential commodities globally. 

India Seeks Humanitarian Access

Harish said the Security Council's immediate focus should be on reducing the humanitarian impact of conflicts.

According to India's position, this requires safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access, along with support for de-confliction arrangements that can allow humanitarian operations to continue during hostilities.

India also urged the Council to ensure that measures such as sanctions do not unintentionally obstruct humanitarian assistance or legitimate food and agricultural trade. 

The Indian envoy noted that developing countries with high dependence on imports are particularly vulnerable when international supply chains are disrupted.

India's Food Security Approach

While calling for action by the Security Council, Harish also stressed that building resilient and food-secure societies remains primarily the responsibility of national governments, supported by the UN development system and specialised agencies.

He highlighted India's domestic food-security measures, including the National Food Security Act, which provides statutory entitlement to subsidised food grains.

Harish also pointed to direct benefit transfers under PM-KISAN, saying support to more than 110 million farming households has strengthened the economic resilience of small and marginal farmers. 

India's promotion of millets, including its role in the International Year of Millets in 2023, was also cited as an example of efforts to promote climate-resilient and nutrient-rich crops.

UN Highlights Major Conflict Zones

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, speaking at the same debate, highlighted the impact of conflicts and disruptions in several strategically important regions.

He pointed to the Black Sea, where the Russia-Ukraine conflict has affected grain and energy exports, as well as the Strait of Hormuz, where restrictions and disruptions have contributed to higher commodity prices and reduced availability.

Guterres also referred to attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, warning that they were putting additional pressure on supply chains carrying food and other commodities. 

Proposal for Hormuz Corridor

Guterres said the UN has proposed a protected corridor to facilitate the movement of fertilisers and food grains through the Strait of Hormuz.

The proposed mechanism would initially focus on fertilisers and related raw materials and could later be expanded to other products. A task force led by the UN Office for Project Services has reportedly developed a framework to register and verify vessels carrying fertiliser and associated products.

Guterres said the success of the proposal would depend on cooperation and political will from the parties involved. 

Maritime Disruptions Add Pressure

The World Food Programme's Acting Director Carl Skau also warned that serious disruptions to maritime trade could push tens of millions more people into food insecurity.

The discussions at the UNSC underline India's broader concern that conflicts are no longer confined to their immediate geographic impact. Disruptions to shipping, energy, fertiliser and agricultural trade can spread economic and humanitarian pressures across borders.

India's call for immediate humanitarian action therefore places food security alongside humanitarian access as an important consideration in the Security Council's response to conflicts.

India is showing growing interest in Russia’s Northern Sea Route (NSR) as Moscow seeks to expand Arctic shipping and develop the corridor into a major trade link between Europe and Asia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.

Putin said Russia was seeing increasing interest from Asian countries, particularly India and China, in cooperation on the Arctic shipping route. Moscow is seeking to redirect more trade towards Asian markets while strengthening its presence in the Arctic.

Speaking to Pacific Fleet personnel aboard the missile cruiser Varyag, Putin said Russia remained open to international cooperation on the route, provided such engagement followed international maritime law.

He said countries including China and India were actively discussing cooperation with Russia on the Northern Sea Route.

Russia Pushes Arctic Route

The Northern Sea Route runs along Russia’s Arctic coastline and connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through waters north of Siberia.

Russia has been investing heavily in the corridor as it seeks an alternative to traditional shipping routes such as the Suez Canal.

The route can potentially shorten shipping distances between Europe and Asia. However, extreme cold, sea ice, limited infrastructure and difficult navigation continue to pose challenges.

Ships operating in the region may require ice-strengthened designs and support from specialised icebreakers.

India Shows Growing Interest

For India, the Northern Sea Route could become another connectivity option for trade with Russia, particularly for energy supplies and other commodities.

India and Russia have already discussed greater cooperation on Arctic shipping and the development of mechanisms to facilitate the use of the route.

The NSR could complement other India-Russia connectivity initiatives, including the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the proposed Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also highlighted the importance of strengthening connectivity between India and Russia and has spoken about training Indian sailors for navigation in Arctic waters.

Energy Trade Could Benefit

India is one of the world's major buyers of Russian crude oil, making shipping connectivity an important part of the broader bilateral economic relationship.

A more developed Arctic route could provide additional options for transporting Russian energy and other goods to Asian markets.

For Moscow, stronger cooperation with India is also strategically significant as Russia continues to deepen its economic relationships with Asian countries amid Western sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict.

China has emerged as a major partner in Russia's Arctic strategy, but Moscow is also seeking broader participation from other Asian economies.

Russia Expands Arctic Infrastructure

Russia has invested in ports, navigation systems, logistics facilities and a fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers to support the development of the Northern Sea Route.

The country wants to increase the volume of cargo transported through the Arctic and eventually establish the route as a more reliable commercial corridor.

Russian energy companies have already increased shipments towards Asian markets through Arctic waters, while Chinese companies have shown growing interest in using the route for container shipping.

The gradual reduction in Arctic sea ice has also increased the period during which commercial vessels can navigate parts of the route, although ice conditions remain a major operational factor.

Putin Warns of Rising Tensions

Putin's comments on cooperation came alongside a warning about what he described as growing "artificial tensions" in the Arctic.

Russia has repeatedly criticised increased military activity by Western countries and Nato in the region, describing the Arctic as an increasingly important area of geopolitical competition.

The region has gained strategic significance because of its shipping routes, energy reserves and mineral resources.

As Arctic ice retreats, countries are also assessing the potential economic opportunities created by easier access to previously difficult-to-reach areas.

Arctic Route Faces Challenges

Despite its potential, the Northern Sea Route remains considerably more challenging than established international shipping lanes.

Extreme weather, seasonal ice, specialised vessels, insurance costs and limited infrastructure can make Arctic shipping expensive.

For India, greater participation would therefore require investments in Arctic navigation capabilities, trained personnel and suitable vessels.

The route's commercial viability will also depend on how quickly Russia can develop year-round infrastructure and how geopolitical conditions evolve.

India-Russia Connectivity Expands

Putin's latest remarks indicate that Moscow sees India as an important potential partner in the development of the Northern Sea Route.

For India, participation could strengthen access to Russian energy and markets while adding another option to its wider connectivity network.

The Arctic is simultaneously becoming a more competitive geopolitical space, with Russia, the United States, Nato countries and Asian powers seeking greater strategic and commercial influence.

The Northern Sea Route is therefore emerging not only as a potential trade corridor but also as an important part of the changing economic and geopolitical relationship between Russia and Asia.

Iran Announces New Service Fee Framework for Strait of Hormuz Shipping, Allies May Receive Concessions

Iran has announced plans to introduce a new service fee framework for commercial vessels passing through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, while indicating that countries which supported Tehran during its recent conflict could receive preferential treatment under the proposed system.

The announcement was made by Iran's Ambassador to China, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, during the World Peace Forum in Beijing on Saturday. According to the ambassador, Iran is working in coordination with Oman to establish a long-term mechanism for managing maritime traffic through the narrow waterway, one of the world's most critical energy corridors.

Fazli clarified that the proposed charges would not be imposed as a transit toll but as payment for services provided by Iran in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of ships through the strait.

"As a country where the Hormuz is part of its territorial waters, we will definitely charge service fees," the ambassador said while outlining Tehran's proposal.

According to Iranian officials, the fees would cover a range of maritime services, including navigation security, vessel monitoring, traffic management and measures aimed at addressing the environmental impact created by heavy commercial shipping in the region.

The announcement follows the expiry of a temporary arrangement reached after the recent ceasefire between Iran and the United States. Under that agreement, commercial vessels were permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz without paying any charges for a period of 60 days. Iranian authorities have not yet specified when the new fee structure will officially come into force.

Beyond the proposed charges, Tehran has also hinted at extending favourable treatment to countries that maintained supportive ties with Iran during the recent hostilities.

"We will definitely consider special treatment for the countries that were friendly to us and specially stood by us during the hard times," Fazli said.

However, Iranian officials have not identified which countries would qualify for such concessions or explained the criteria that would determine eligibility. Details regarding possible fee discounts or operational benefits for these nations have also not been disclosed.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically significant maritime passages in the world. Nearly one-fifth of global crude oil shipments pass through the narrow channel connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Any disruption to shipping through the strait has immediate implications for international energy markets, oil prices and global supply chains.

During the recent conflict in West Asia, commercial movement through the waterway was temporarily disrupted, fuelling concerns over global oil supplies and contributing to a sharp rise in crude prices. The passage resumed normal operations after the ceasefire agreement between Tehran and Washington.

Iran's latest proposal suggests the country is seeking to institutionalise its role in regulating commercial shipping through the strategic waterway while generating revenue from services associated with maritime safety and environmental management.

Industry observers are expected to closely monitor how shipping companies, major oil-importing nations and international maritime organisations respond once the proposed framework is formally implemented. The introduction of service fees could also influence freight costs and operational planning for vessels transiting one of the busiest energy corridors in the world.

For now, Tehran has maintained that the initiative is intended to compensate for services provided rather than restrict international navigation, though further details regarding the structure, pricing and implementation timeline remain awaited.

The deaths of Indian seafarers amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region took center stage at the G7 Summit in France, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi called maritime security a shared international responsibility. Addressing world leaders during a high-level outreach session in Evian on Tuesday, Modi emphasized that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have not only claimed lives but also affected the global economy.

Maritime Safety Takes Global Stage

Speaking at the session themed “Forging New Partnerships and Renewing International Solidarity,” Modi said that Indian citizens had lost their lives in the recent conflict-linked incidents in the Gulf region. He stressed that seafarers play a vital role in connecting countries through international trade and deserve greater protection.

“We welcome the progress towards peace in West Asia. The conflict has resulted in the loss of life and property in friendly nations, while disruptions in maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have negatively impacted the global economy,” Modi said.

The remarks come days after three Indian sailors were confirmed dead following a strike-linked incident in the Gulf of Oman, raising concerns over the safety of thousands of Indian seafarers working across international shipping routes.

Modi-Trump Meeting Draws Attention

US President Donald Trump attended the same session and was seated alongside Prime Minister Modi. Before the meeting began, Trump stood up to greet the Indian leader, and the two exchanged a handshake before holding a brief conversation.

According to reports, both leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral talks focusing on trade, investment, tariffs, and strategic cooperation. The meeting is being closely watched as India and the United States seek to strengthen ties despite recent disagreements over trade policies and visa regulations.

Focus on Trust and Global Partnerships

During his address, Modi underlined the importance of trust in international relations. He told world leaders that although the world is more interconnected than ever, partnerships can only succeed when they are built on mutual confidence.

He said that the world currently faces a deficit of trust rather than a shortage of resources. Referring to India's diplomatic philosophy, Modi reiterated the country's belief in the concept of "One Earth, One Family, One Future" and argued that development partnerships should empower nations rather than create dependencies.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the aspirations of the Global South, stating that developing nations seek genuine partnerships and equal participation in global decision-making rather than temporary assistance.

Significance of the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil and gas shipments. Any disruption in the region has immediate consequences for energy markets, shipping costs, and international trade.

For India, which imports a large portion of its crude oil requirements from the Gulf, stability in the region is of strategic importance. The safety of Indian seafarers working aboard merchant vessels has also emerged as a major concern amid continuing geopolitical tensions.

India's Expanding Global Role

Although India is not a member of the G7, it has been invited as a guest nation due to its growing economic and geopolitical influence. This year's summit marks Prime Minister Modi's seventh participation in the forum.

On the sidelines of the summit, Modi also met leaders from Canada, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, South Korea, Japan, and Italy, discussing issues ranging from economic cooperation to regional security.

Iran's Araghchi in Delhi for BRICS talks on Hormuz safe passage

New Delhi and Tehran likely to discuss securing Indian vessels through Strait of Hormuz as tensions rise in West Asia

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday evening, touching down just ahead of the two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting that begins on May 14. His delegation was received by ministry officials at the airport, and he is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on the margins of the summit.

The visit, Araghchi's first to India since the escalation of hostilities involving Iran, the United States, and Israel earlier this year, comes at a critical moment for energy security in the region.

Strait of Hormuz in focus

Top of the agenda during bilateral talks is the safe passage of Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow waterway, which handles roughly a fifth of global oil consumption, has become a flashpoint in recent weeks.

Officials familiar with the matter say Jaishankar is expected to raise specific concerns about the movement of oil tankers and commercial ships transiting between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Any disruption at Hormuz directly impacts India's crude imports, nearly 80 per cent of which come from Gulf suppliers.

40-50 vessels stranded

Initial reports indicate that between 40 and 50 India-bound ships remain stuck west of the Strait, waiting for clear passage. The backlog has built up over the past fortnight as tensions spiked following recent naval deployments in the area.

Local authorities in Mumbai and Gujarat ports have been monitoring the situation closely. According to shipping industry sources, some vessels have been rerouted, but the delays are already affecting delivery timelines and freight costs.

First visit since escalation

Araghchi and Jaishankar have spoken multiple times over the phone in recent months, focusing on regional developments and the safety of Indian nationals. But this face-to-face meeting carries added weight.

"The timing is significant. Both sides understand that diplomatic channels need to stay open, especially when military rhetoric is high," a person aware of the preparations said, requesting anonymity.

The Iranian minister's itinerary also includes interactions with other BRICS counterparts, but the bilateral with Jaishankar remains the most closely watched.

India's BRICS presidency

New Delhi assumed the chairmanship of the expanded BRICS grouping on January 1, taking over from Brazil. This is India's fourth time leading the bloc, having previously hosted summits in 2012, 2016, and 2021.

The theme for India's 2026 presidency—"Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability"—reflects a people-centric approach that Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined at the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

The bloc now includes 11 members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia.

Lavrov to attend

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will also participate in the Delhi gathering, according to a statement from Moscow. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova confirmed that discussions would cover global governance, major international issues, and preparations for the 18th BRICS Summit scheduled for September in New Delhi.

Lavrov's presence adds another layer to the diplomacy, given Russia's own interests in West Asian stability and energy markets.

Strategic significance beyond Hormuz

While safe passage through the Strait is the immediate priority, Araghchi's visit is expected to reinforce broader cooperation. The development of Iran's Chabahar Port, which India has been investing in as an alternative trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, remains a key pillar of bilateral ties.

Energy connectivity and regional diplomacy are also on the long-term agenda. For now, though, all eyes are on whether the two sides can secure a workable arrangement to keep Indian ships moving through one of the world's most contested waterways.

Iran's Araghchi Arrives in New Delhi Today for BRICS Talks; Hormuz Safe Passage High on Agenda

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi lands in New Delhi this morning for a two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, with bilateral talks expected to focus on securing safe movement for Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising West Asian tensions.

 Strategic Visit Amid Regional Turbulence

Araghchi is scheduled to touch down on Wednesday, 13 May, ahead of the BRICS gathering being hosted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on May 14 and 15. This marks the Iranian diplomat's first visit to India since the escalation of hostilities involving Tehran, Washington, and Israel earlier this year.

Sources familiar with the matter said the two ministers are likely to sit down on the summit sidelines specifically to address concerns over India-flagged ships and oil tankers navigating the narrow strait. The waterway, a chokepoint for global crude shipments, has become increasingly volatile.

 40-50 India-Bound Vessels Affected

The urgency isn't hypothetical. Initial reports indicate that between 40 and 50 vessels headed for Indian ports remain stranded west of the Hormuz passage. For a country that imports roughly 85 per cent of its oil requirements, any prolonged disruption spells immediate trouble.

Officials point out that New Delhi is walking a tightrope—protecting energy security while avoiding entanglement in a conflict that shows no signs of cooling. Araghchi and Jaishankar have already held several telephone conversations in recent weeks, focusing on the safety of Indian nationals and the uninterrupted movement of commercial shipping.

Lavrov Also in Attendance

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will also participate in the Delhi meeting, according to the Russian foreign ministry. Spokesperson Maria Zakharova confirmed that discussions will cover global governance, pressing international issues, and preparations for the 18th BRICS Summit scheduled for September in New Delhi.

India's BRICS Presidency

This is India's fourth time leading the BRICS grouping, having previously hosted summits in 2012, 2016, and 2021. The theme for New Delhi's 2026 presidency—"Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability"—takes forward a people-centric approach articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2025 Rio Summit.

The expanded bloc now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia.

Chabahar Port, Wider Ties on Table

Beyond the immediate crisis management, Araghchi's visit is expected to reinforce broader India-Iran cooperation. The development of Chabahar Port—a strategic project that gives New Delhi an alternative trade route bypassing Pakistan—remains a priority. Energy linkages and regional diplomacy will also feature.

With tensions showing no signs of easing, both sides recognise that maintaining secure sea lanes isn't just a bilateral concern but a matter of global trade stability. Araghchi's trip, while brief, signals that diplomatic channels remain open even as warships patrol contested waters.