India’s Permanent Representative to the UN calls for protection of civilians during conflict

New York: India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish Parvatneni said that protecting civilians, including in conflict situations, is a central element of maintaining international peace and security.Parvataneni, speaking at the annual UNSC Open Debate on the topic “Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict”, congratulated China on assuming the presidency of the UNSC for this month.He said, “We congratulate China on assuming the presidency of the UNSC for this month and also welcome the convening of this annual open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. We thank the Secretary-General for his report and the briefers for their insightful comments this morning.”Parvataneni said a decline in recorded civilian deaths was seen in 2025 after three years of continuous increase.“India reaffirms its strong commitment to the UN Charter and emphasizes that protecting civilians at all times, including in conflict situations, is a central element of maintaining international peace and security. In 2025, civilian deaths recorded in twenty armed conflicts exceeded 37,000. Although this is the first decline after three years of continuous increase, the numbers are still high. Continued civilian casualties, displacement, destruction of critical infrastructure and loss of hospitals, schools, medical personnel and “Attacks against humanitarian workers remain extremely worrying.” Said.Parvataneni said India calls for zero tolerance for loss of civilian lives.“India calls for zero tolerance for loss of civilian life. Parties to armed conflict must ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access while respecting international humanitarian law.” Even a decade after the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2286, repeated attacks on civilian facilities and humanitarian workers reflect a serious decline in respect for international humanitarian law. India reiterates that medical personnel and humanitarian workers must be protected at all times.”Parvataneni said the growing trend of using drones to deploy explosive weapons in urban areas is particularly worrying.“As the UNSG report notes, the use of missiles, bombs and other explosive weapons in cities and populated areas remains a leading cause of civilian damage. The growing trend of using drones to deploy explosive weapons in urban areas is particularly worrying. The use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, by parties to conflict must be consistent with international law and humanitarian principles. Safeguards must be taken to prevent misuse and unexpected harm to citizens. The protection of civilians cannot be achieved through humanitarian responses alone. The targeted use of violence against civilians to achieve political objectives, including terrorism, must be comprehensively addressed,” he said.Parvataneni also condemned cross-border terrorism and highlighted that India has been a victim of such terrorism for decades.“India is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by cross-border terrorism, which is undermining the basic principles of regional peace, stability and international security. India has been a victim of this form of terrorism for decades. States that sponsor, harbor or support terrorism must be held accountable. India has consistently stressed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations remains one of the most serious threats to civilians worldwide. No cause or grievance can justify deliberate attacks against civilians,” he said.