India has reiterated its position that protecting civilians during armed conflicts remains central to maintaining international peace and security, while also raising concerns over terrorism, attacks on humanitarian workers and the misuse of emerging technologies in warfare.
Speaking at the annual open debate on Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict at the United Nations Security Council, Harish Parvathaneni, Permanent Representative of India to the UN, congratulated China on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month.
“We congratulate China on assuming the UNSC Presidency for this month and also welcome convening 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 remarks this morning,” Parvathaneni said.
India reaffirmed its commitment to the UN Charter and stressed that civilian protection must remain a priority during conflicts.
“India reaffirms its strong commitment to the UN Charter and stresses that protecting civilians at all times, including conflict situations, is a central element of maintenance of international peace and security,” Parvathaneni said.
Referring to conflict-related casualties, he noted that more than 37,000 civilian deaths were recorded across 20 armed conflicts in 2025. While the figure marked the first decline after three consecutive years of increase, he said the numbers remained concerning.
“Continued civilian casualties, displacement, destruction of critical infrastructure and attacks on hospitals, schools, medical personnel and humanitarian workers remain deeply concerning,” he said.
India also called for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law.
“India calls for zero tolerance to the loss of civilian lives. Parties to armed conflict must ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access while respecting international humanitarian law,” Parvathaneni said.
He added that repeated attacks on civilian facilities and humanitarian workers, even a decade after adoption of UNSC Resolution 2286, reflected declining respect for humanitarian principles.
India further expressed concern over the increasing use of explosive weapons in populated areas and highlighted risks posed by emerging technologies.
“The growing trend of use of drones to deploy explosive weapons in urban areas is especially concerning,” Parvathaneni said.
He added that artificial intelligence and autonomous systems being deployed during conflicts must operate within international legal and humanitarian frameworks, with safeguards to prevent misuse and unintended civilian harm.
India also condemned terrorism and cross-border terror activities.
“India remains deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by cross-border terrorism, which continues to undermine regional peace, stability, and the fundamental principles of international security,” Parvathaneni said.
He stated that India had faced cross-border terrorism for decades and stressed that countries supporting or sheltering terrorism should be held accountable.
“No cause or grievance can justify deliberate attacks against civilians,” he said.
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