India on Monday expressed concern over renewed attacks in West Asia and called on all parties to immediately de-escalate tensions and conclude talks for a diplomatic solution following the exchange of strikes launched by Iran and Israel after Tehran accused the Israeli side of violating the ceasefire agreements through its actions in Lebanon.
The Iranian Armed Forces announced the end of military strikes against Israel after US President Donald Trump called on the two countries to cease fire. Iran fired missiles at northern Israel on Sunday following Israeli attacks on Beirut, the first such attacks since the April 8 ceasefire in the US-Israel war against Iran.
This was followed by Israeli attacks on Iran, with explosions in Tehran, Tabriz and Isfahan. Even as it halted its military operations, Iran warned that there would be a “more crushing” response if Israel resumed strikes on Lebanon or Iranian territory.
“India deeply regrets the renewed attacks in West Asia. These developments raise grave concern to the international community,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on “developments in West Asia” that did not directly name any country.
Noting that the conflict had lasted for more than 100 days and had caused “enormous human suffering,” the ministry said the hostilities had also had a “devastating impact on the global economy and energy supplies.”
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.”
In a related development, the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv issued a warning urging all Indians in Israel to “exercise utmost caution and vigilance” due to the security situation in the region. “We advise Indian citizens to avoid non-essential and non-essential travel within Israel until further notice,” she said.
Indians are also strongly advised to adhere to safety guidelines and instructions issued by the Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command, stay near designated shelters, and familiarize themselves with the nearest protected places in their area of residence or work.
Indians have been asked to contact the embassy in Tel Aviv through a 24/7 helpline or via email in any emergency.
The Indian Embassy in Iran also issued an advisory reiterating its advice to all Indian citizens in Iran to “exit the country with available means of transportation”. The advisory also said: “In light of the recent developments in the region, the embassy reiterates its previous advice to all Indian citizens to avoid any travel to Iran.”
There were about 9,000 Indians, most of them students, in Iran when the West Asian conflict began, and about 2,000 Indians have returned home. More than 40,000 Indians live in Israel, including thousands of caregivers and construction workers.
