India issued a sharp condemnation of attacks on commercial shipping during the ongoing Gulf conflict, calling the violence against seafarers and vessels “simply unacceptable” at the United Nations General Assembly. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar used the high-level platform to warn that the weaponisation of global conflicts is inflicting severe damage on countries of the Global South through disruptions to food, fuel, and trade supplies. His remarks came during the general debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, where New Delhi declared it remained deeply concerned over continuing hostilities in multiple regions.

The Indian foreign minister specifically highlighted the targeting of commercial vessels and maritime crew in international waterways, calling on all sides to show restraint and de-escalate tensions. Jaishankar demanded that all parties protect civilians and ensure the uninterrupted flow of energy and commerce through critical shipping lanes. He also raised concern over conflicts in other regions, including Ukraine and West Asia, noting their wider impact on food, fuel, and supply chains. The minister emphasised that India is particularly troubled by the maritime dimension of the Gulf crisis, which has added new challenges to longstanding problems on land.

“This year, we are witnessing a conflict in the Gulf, one that is exacerbating an already difficult situation. We remain deeply concerned over continuing hostilities,” Jaishankar said.

Jaishankar drew attention to attacks spanning multiple bodies of water, stating that commercial shipping and seafarers have come under fire in the Gulf region and from the Red Sea to the Black Sea. He stressed that it is “completely unacceptable” that seafarers from India and other countries have lost their lives in these attacks. The minister’s remarks underscored India’s position that maritime security must not be compromised under any circumstances, and that scrupulously observing international law forms an integral element of protecting shipping lanes and crew members.

New Coalition Launched to Protect Seafarers

On the eve of his General Assembly address, Jaishankar and Liberia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Sara Beysolow Nyanti launched the Group of Friends on Safety & Security of Shipping & Seafarers. The initiative brings together 23 other partner nations and aims to mobilise global public opinion against attacks on commercial vessels and maritime personnel. The coalition represents a coordinated international effort to safeguard the lives of seafarers and ensure the free flow of global commerce through threatened waterways.

At the launch event, Jaishankar referenced two recent incidents that illustrate the deadly toll of maritime violence. He revealed that the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao was attacked in the Gulf of Oman days earlier, resulting in the death of an Indian sailor. In an earlier incident, the Panama-flagged oil tanker El Gaia was struck while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, after which an Indian crew member was also killed. These specific examples brought home the human cost of the ongoing maritime insecurity.

Global South Bears Disproportionate Burden

The Indian minister expanded his critique beyond maritime security to address the broader impact of global conflicts on developing nations. Jaishankar warned that the weaponisation of everything in modern conflicts is hurting countries of the Global South disproportionately. The disruption of shipping lanes, combined with conflicts in multiple regions, has created a cascade effect on food security, energy supplies, and trade networks that developing nations depend upon for economic stability and growth.

India’s position reflects growing frustration among Global South nations that find themselves caught in the crossfire of conflicts they did not initiate. The disruption to critical supply chains affects not only immediate economic interests but also threatens long-term development goals and food security for billions of people. Jaishankar’s remarks highlighted that the international community must recognise how conflicts in one region create ripple effects that damage vulnerable economies across continents.

Call for International Law and Restraint

The external affairs minister emphasised that safeguarding the safety and security of shipping and seafarers must never be compromised under any circumstances. He insisted that scrupulously observing international law forms an integral element of protecting maritime commerce and the lives of crew members who keep global trade flowing. Jaishankar’s call for restraint extended to all parties involved in regional conflicts, urging immediate de-escalation to prevent further loss of life and disruption to international commerce.

India’s position carries significant weight given its role as a major maritime nation with millions of sailors serving on commercial vessels worldwide. The country has a direct stake in protecting the lives of its citizens working at sea and ensuring the security of shipping lanes that are vital to its energy imports and trade. By launching the Group of Friends initiative, New Delhi is positioning itself as a leader in building international consensus on maritime security issues that affect multiple nations.

Strategic Implications for India

The attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf region pose direct challenges to India’s energy security and economic interests. The country imports a substantial portion of its oil and gas through these threatened waterways, making the free flow of energy supplies a matter of national priority. Any sustained disruption to shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz or surrounding waters could have severe economic consequences for India and other nations dependent on Gulf energy exports.

India’s diplomatic push at the United Nations reflects a broader strategy to protect its interests while building coalitions among like-minded nations. The 24-nation coalition on seafarer safety demonstrates New Delhi’s ability to mobilise international support around shared concerns. By framing maritime security as a Global South issue, India is also positioning itself as a voice for developing nations facing the spillover effects of conflicts in distant regions.

The minister’s comprehensive approach, addressing conflicts from Ukraine to West Asia and their impact on food, fuel, and supply chains, signals India’s recognition that modern security challenges transcend traditional boundaries. The country is asserting its role as a responsible global actor advocating for international law, civilian protection, and the preservation of critical trade routes that underpin the world economy. As maritime attacks continue to claim lives and disrupt commerce, India’s leadership in building international consensus on these issues takes on growing importance for global stability and economic security.

The post India Condemns Gulf Shipping Attacks at UN as Global South Faces Trade Squeeze appeared first on The Daily Update.

“I call on all nations to help to enforce the complete economic isolation of Iran,” Trump declared before the assembly. “If we stand united, we will soon see a world free of the last 51-year menace of Iranian terror … and oil prices will come plummeting down even lower than they were at the start of the conflict.”

The President went further by threatening that he may “annihilate” the country, signaling an escalation in rhetoric despite numerous U.S. allies complaining about soaring energy prices and growing international instability during his administration. The call for unity comes as Washington faces growing tensions with traditional partners over its Iran policy.

Allies Face Pressure Over Energy Support

Trump lashed out at allies for not supporting the U.S. war in Iran, according to reports from the assembly, arguing that Washington will not fight for their interests as they struggle with energy shortages. The President specifically addressed jet fuel supplies, telling allies they must either fight for their own fuel security or purchase from the United States.

The combative stance marks a shift in U.S. diplomatic relations, with the President openly criticizing nations that have traditionally relied on American military protection. His comments came as multiple European and Asian allies have raised concerns about the economic impact of the Iran conflict on their domestic energy markets.

Trump denied that the U.S. military was running short of critical munitions, stating “we have more munitions than we could ever possibly even think of using.” The assertion came amid reports questioning American military readiness as operations in the region continue.

Greenland Military Bases and Defense Expansion

In a major policy announcement, Trump revealed that the United States would build two new military bases in Greenland as part of an agreement with the government of Denmark. The development follows a year of geopolitical negotiations that have unsettled the NATO alliance.

“We will have the complete ability to do what is necessary to defend the American continent, and also Europe and other places,” Trump announced regarding the two “major” military bases. “No US adversary will ever be permitted to establish a military presence in Greenland any more, or make sensitive investments there without our express written approval.”

The Greenland bases represent a significant expansion of U.S. military infrastructure in the Arctic region, an area of growing strategic importance as climate change opens new shipping routes and access to natural resources. The agreement gives Washington unprecedented control over foreign military and investment activities on the territory.

Artificial Intelligence Rebranded as Superintelligence

Trump used the UN platform to declare that the United States would not seek to rein in the development of artificial intelligence, seeking to rebrand it as “superintelligence” and dismissing warnings about threats from out-of-control AI development as a “hoax.” His stance puts the U.S. at odds with many nations calling for international AI governance frameworks.

“I’m not going to stifle growth of something that will be bigger than the Industrial Revolution,” the President stated, signaling his administration’s commitment to unfettered AI advancement. The position contrasts sharply with European Union efforts to establish comprehensive AI regulations and safety standards.

Ukraine Claims and International Court Attack

The President claimed once again that he was close to settling the war in Ukraine, though he provided no specific details or timeline for a potential peace agreement. He also attacked the international criminal court as a “rogue organisation,” continuing his administration’s pattern of criticism toward multilateral institutions.

Observers noted this was a less bellicose speech than the one Trump delivered last year, when he excoriated the UN and told European allies that their countries were “going to hell” because of their migration policies. At one point on Tuesday, he stopped and turned around to thank the UN security council for condemning Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

China Benefits From Strained Alliances

Analysis from foreign policy experts suggests that Trump’s confrontational approach toward Iran has significantly damaged America’s reputation globally while strengthening China’s position. The Chinese economy has weathered the global economic shock from rising oil and gas prices better than most nations, partly because Beijing stockpiled fossil fuels and transitioned to renewable energy faster than other countries.

Despite earlier threats of secondary sanctions against those who continue to trade with Tehran, the Trump administration has not imposed these new sanctions on China. Chinese Communist Party Chairman Xi Jinping was expected to meet with Trump this week, with observers predicting no new U.S. sanctions on Chinese companies doing business with Iran would emerge from the discussions.

The Iran war has strained relations between the United States and its allies and partners, especially in Europe, but also in South Korea and the Middle East. By attacking Iran without first seeking UN Security Council approval, critics argue Trump has made the United States appear as a rogue actor in the international system, similar to Russian leader Vladimir Putin when he invaded Ukraine.

Energy Markets and Economic Pressure

Trump’s promise that oil prices would come “plummeting down” stands in contrast to current market realities, where numerous U.S. allies face soaring energy costs. The President’s insistence that complete economic isolation of Iran would solve energy market problems has met skepticism from economists who point to the complex global supply chain dynamics affecting fuel prices.

The address mostly rehashed his campaign talking points but delivered them on the world’s most prominent diplomatic stage, underscoring the President’s commitment to his foreign policy approach despite international criticism. As negotiations with Iran reportedly continue, Trump’s bellicose rhetoric at the UN signals that any diplomatic resolution will require significant concessions from Tehran on terms favorable to Washington.

The post Trump Demands Energy Isolation of Iran and Slams Allies Over Jet Fuel at UN General Assembly appeared first on The Daily Update.