India on Monday condemned the renewed military escalation in West Asia following the recent exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran. The new round of hostilities represents the first direct military confrontation between the two countries since the temporary ceasefire entered into force on April 8.
In a statement issued after the new attacks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the need to immediately reduce tensions throughout the region. The statement said, “India deeply regrets the renewed attacks in West Asia. These developments raise grave concern to the international community.”
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The government also highlighted the humanitarian and economic consequences of the protracted conflict. “This conflict has now lasted more than 100 days and has already caused enormous human suffering. It has also had a devastating impact on the global economy and energy supplies.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also urged the parties concerned to prioritize the safety of civilians and work to reach a peaceful solution.
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The statement read: “We call on all parties to immediately de-escalate tensions, ensure that civilians are not harmed, and conclude the ongoing negotiations to reach a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability return to the region.”
India issues advisory
The Indian Embassy in Iran on Monday advised people to avoid traveling to Iran amid renewed strikes in the region. It also asked Indian citizens present in Iran to leave the country by any available means of transportation.
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What sparked new tensions?
Iran bombed Israel on Sunday after it warned Tehran to take action over Netanyahu’s repeated attacks on Lebanon. The war between Lebanon and Israel has been a major front in the ongoing conflict with Israel continuing to attack it while Tehran has maintained that a ceasefire there is key to the peace deal with the United States.
Earlier today, Israel seized the southern suburb of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, suddenly with strikes without warning, in violation of the request of its ally, the United States, to stop the fighting. According to Israel, before striking Lebanon, Iranian-backed Hezbollah fighters opened fire on Israel on the same Sunday.
Trump asked Israel not to respond to Iran
After the Iranian attack on Sunday evening, US President Donald Trump asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to launch any retaliatory strikes and to let diplomacy handle the situation, Axios reported, citing a senior US official and an Israeli source familiar with the developments.
According to the senior US official, there was no “green light” from the United States for the Israeli strike on Beirut on Sunday.
