The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to vote on Saturday on a Bahrain-led draft resolution aimed at ensuring uninterrupted navigation through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in West Asia, with India reiterating its support for free and secure maritime movement.Responding to a query, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said India was closely tracking developments around the proposed resolution and ongoing negotiations among Council members.“As far as India is concerned, we stand for free and open commercial shipping and for maritime security in keeping with international law. We continue to call for ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as a matter of priority,” he said, adding that New Delhi is “closely following all developments” related to the West Asian conflict.The draft resolution affirms that the Strait must remain open for all transit passage and asserts that no state has the right to close or control it. It also authorises member states to take strictly defensive measures, including securing shipping lanes, to deter attempts to disrupt international navigation.The text provides a legal framework for coordinated international action to ensure safe passage in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law. It further requires countries invoking the authorisation to notify and report to the UN, ensuring transparency and compliance.A monitoring mechanism has also been proposed, with the UN Secretary-General mandated to submit monthly reports to the Council, enabling it to respond to evolving developments.Pushing for consensus, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said the initiative aimed to safeguard “one of the most vital shipping lanes for trade and security”. Bahrain currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council for April.He expressed hope that the resolution would be adopted unanimously, citing growing international concern over maritime security in the Gulf.Referring to UNSC Resolution 2817 and a recent resolution of the United Nations Human Rights Council, both adopted in March, Al Zayani said they reflected the international community’s firm stance against Iran’s actions.He also alleged continued “illegal” Iranian attacks on several Arab countries, including Bahrain, and stressed that regional efforts should align with international legitimacy to achieve lasting peace.Highlighting broader regional dynamics, he underlined the need to strengthen cooperation between the UN and the League of Arab States, calling it an “urgent necessity” in addressing ongoing crises.