Iran and its proxies in some neighbouring countries launched drones and missiles towards Israel late on April 13, 2024
Expressing serious concern over the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, India on Sunday (April 14, 2024) called for immediate de-escalation and exercise of restraint. It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
According to the MEA, the evolving situation is being closely monitored and India's embassies in the region are in close touch with the Indian community.
"We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region. We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy," the MEA stated.
“We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our Embassies in the region are in close touch with (the) Indian community,” the MEA added.
The statement came hours after Iran and its proxies in some neighbouring countries launched drones and missiles towards Israel late on Saturday (April 13, 2024). This was purportedly in retaliation for a suspected Israeli air strike on an Iranian diplomatic mission in Damascus, Syria a few weeks ago. The air strike left seven personnel of the Iranian Republican Guards, including two generals, dead.
The Israeli military said it had intercepted most of the drones and missiles fired by Iran.
Condemning the attacks by Iran, US President Joe Biden has come firmly in support of Israel. “I condemn Iran's attacks in the strongest possible terms and reaffirm America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel,” he said in a post on social media platform X.
The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has meanwhile issued an important advisory asking all Indian nationals in the country to “stay calm and adhere to the safety protocols issued by the local authorities”. The embassy also shared a link for all Indian nationals who are yet to register with it.
On Friday (April 12, 2024), the MEA had come out with an advisory asking Indians not to travel to Iran or Israel. “In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indians are advised not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice”.
The advisory also requested Indians who are currently residing in Iran or Israel to get in touch with the Indian Embassies there and register themselves. “They are also requested to observe utmost precautions about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum,” the advisory stated.