India Calls For Restraint By All Sides As Tensions Escalate In Middle East

New Delhi: As tensions escalate in West Asia, India on Wednesday called for restraint from all sides and said that the conflict should not expand into a wider regional issue. This statement comes a day after Iran fired around 200 missiles into Israel, in response to the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and other militant commanders by Israel.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in West Asia, urging that all matters be resolved through "dialogue and diplomacy." In a statement, the MEA said, "We are deeply concerned at the escalation of the security situation in West Asia and reiterate our call for restraint by all concerned and protection of civilians."

With the rising tensions due to hostilities between Iran and Israel, India is closely monitoring the situation and has advised its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran. Indian citizens currently residing in Iran are encouraged to stay vigilant and maintain contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran. The MEA stated, "Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran. Those currently residing in Iran are requested to remain vigilant and stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran."

This advisory comes in light of ongoing regional instability following Iran's missile attack on Israel, which has triggered retaliatory actions and widespread military engagement between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have issued evacuation alerts for residents in southern Lebanon and reported that around 50 rockets were fired from Lebanon into northern Israel.

In response to the situation, the IDF said, "The IDF and the US Armed Forces cooperated together in defense several days before, during, and after the Iranian attack. The IDF expresses great appreciation for this cooperation and will continue to deepen its relationship with the US Armed Forces, due to our commitment to strengthening regional stability and the coordination between the militaries."

The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv is also closely monitoring the situation and has issued safety advisories for Indian citizens in Israel, urging them to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay near safety shelters due to ongoing missile strikes from Iran targeting Israeli civilians.

The conflict has further escalated following the deaths of senior leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas in Israeli airstrikes, with Iran vowing retaliation.