New Delhi: India on Friday voiced serious concern following a series of intense Israeli air strikes on Iranian military and nuclear installations, calling on both countries to avoid further escalation and engage through diplomatic channels.
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement urging restraint, saying, “India is deeply concerned about the ongoing developments between Iran and Israel. We urge both parties to refrain from actions that may aggravate the situation. Dialogue and diplomacy must be prioritised to address the root causes of tension.”
The appeal came after Israeli forces reportedly conducted two waves of coordinated air strikes across multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, Natanz, Tabriz, Isfahan, Arak, and Kermanshah. According to Iranian state media, the strikes resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking officials, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps chief Hossein Salami and a number of nuclear scientists.
In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the attacks and warned of harsh retaliation, declaring that Israel must “prepare for severe punishment” over what he described as a “grave crime.”
Amid rising tensions, Indian embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv have issued safety advisories for the Indian diaspora, urging them to remain vigilant, limit non-essential travel, and follow local security protocols. The advisory highlighted that over 4,000 Indian nationals reside in Iran—primarily students and traders—while Israel currently hosts over 32,000 Indians, many of whom work in caregiving and construction sectors.
“There are no immediate evacuation plans,” said sources familiar with the situation. “However, both embassies are in close contact with the Indian communities, and the government is monitoring the situation around the clock.”
The scale of the latest Israeli operation significantly surpasses previous tit-for-tat strikes exchanged by the two rivals. The current escalation follows several confrontations in 2024, including Iran’s missile and drone attack in April in retaliation for Israel’s bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, and a separate flare-up in October after the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
India reiterated its willingness to support any effort aimed at de-escalation and emphasized its long-standing friendly ties with both Iran and Israel.
