New Delhi, March 12 (NationPress) - The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday that India has co-sponsored a resolution led by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), focusing on the welfare and safety of the significant Indian diaspora residing in the GCC nations.

During a weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India has made multiple statements regarding the ongoing conflict in West Asia, highlighting the importance of ensuring the safety of all individuals.

Jaiswal stated, "Indeed, we have co-sponsored the GCC-led resolution at the UN Security Council. A total of 135 countries have endorsed this resolution, which aligns with our stance on the well-being of our vast diaspora in the GCC region. Furthermore, the Gulf is crucial for our energy security needs."

He continued, "We have released statements on February 28th and March 3rd, and the External Affairs Minister also made a suo moto statement in Parliament addressing various issues. Our statements on the ongoing conflict reiterate the necessity of prioritizing civilian safety. We mourn the loss of precious lives and express our condolences in this regard."

Earlier on the same day, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC, welcomed the UNSC resolution that condemned the "treacherous Iranian military operations" against the GCC states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Albudaiwi noted that the resolution's adoption by 136 states reflects the international community’s strong stance against Iranian aggressions threatening the sovereignty of GCC member states and Jordan. He reaffirmed the legal right to self-defense as per Article 51 of the UN Charter, allowing for necessary measures to safeguard sovereignty, security, and stability.

He pointed out that this international condemnation, achieved through unprecedented consensus, serves as clear evidence of Iran’s violations of international laws and norms by targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure across the Council states and Jordan.

The GCC Secretary General further explained that the Security Council resolution strongly supports the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of all GCC states and Jordan. It also underscores the strategic significance of the Gulf region for international peace and security, as well as its vital role in global economic stability, while reaffirming the right of navigation for vessels traveling to and from the ports of coastal states not involved in hostilities.

Bahrain's Permanent Representative, Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, reported that the GCC nations have collectively intercepted over 954 Iranian missiles, 2,500 drones, and 17 aircraft while moving toward a Security Council condemnation of Tehran.

He remarked that the attacks on the six-member GCC states are "disrupting trade and maritime routes, impacting both regional and international economies, affecting everyone."

According to him, the Iranian attacks targeted "residential areas, food distribution centers, airports, ports, energy installations, and critical civilian infrastructure," he said, addressing reporters alongside other GCC diplomats outside the Council chambers on Wednesday (local time).