Israel-Iran conflict: What is India’s position amid rising Middle East tensions? | India News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi India on Monday said it supports the resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, expressing concern over the escalating situation in West Asia.“India has always called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve such disputes,” Prime Minister Modi said, reiterating New Delhi’s consistent position in favor of a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Addressing a press briefing alongside his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney, Prime Minister Modi referred to ongoing tensions following US and Israeli military action against Iran that killed its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.“The situation in West Asia is a matter of grave concern for us,” PM Modi said. “We will continue to work with West Asian countries to ensure the safety of Indians there,” he added.It comes amid renewed conflict in the Middle East after the US and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran on Saturday. The operation, dubbed “Epic Fury,” involved a series of strikes over the weekend that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other senior figures, triggering a powerful Iranian retaliation and raising fears of a wider regional war.US allies have pledged to help counter Iran’s missile and drone attacks. Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has claimed its first attack on Israel in more than a year, prompting Israeli retaliation.The first US military deaths were reported, while additional deaths were confirmed in Israel and the Gulf states. Iran says hundreds of people have been killed inside its territory.

India has called for maximum restraint

India has called for maximum restraint after a joint US-Israeli military strike on Iran raised fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. New Delhi urged all parties to avoid escalation and stressed that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected.In its first official response to the rapidly evolving situation, the government said it was “deeply concerned” about developments in Iran and the Gulf region and stressed that “dialogue and diplomacy” should be pursued to reduce tensions.“India is deeply concerned by recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region. We call on all parties to exercise restraint, avoid tensions and prioritize the safety of civilians. Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to reduce tensions and resolve underlying issues. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected. Our missions in the region are in touch with Indian nationals and have issued appropriate advisories to them to remain alert, stay in touch with missions and follow local security guidelines,” the MEA said in a statement. Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar Spoke separately with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa. During the conversation with Aragachi, Jaishankar Expressed India’s deep concern over the situation in Iran and the wider region.“Had a telecon with Iranian FM Syed Abbas Araghchi this evening. Shares India’s deep concern over recent developments in Iran and the region,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.

MEA issues advisory, activates helpline for Indians in conflict-torn Middle East

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued an emergency advisory for Indian nationals in the region following the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Indian embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv have activated 24×7 helplines and are coordinating with local authorities to assist citizens.Advisories have also been issued to Indian nationals in Qatar, Turkey and Syria, asking them to be vigilant, monitor official updates and stay in touch with their respective embassies and consulates amid the heightened security situation and flight disruptions.

Prime Minister Modi spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to discuss the situation in the Middle East and express India’s concerns.During the call, Prime Minister Modi stressed that the protection of civilians must remain a priority.“Talked to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on telephone to discuss the current regional situation. Expressed India’s concern over recent developments and emphasized the priority of protecting civilians. India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities,” PM Modi said in a post on X.On Saturday night, Prime Minister Modi spoke to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and strongly condemned the attack in the Gulf nation, expressing India’s solidarity with the UAE during the crisis.Prime Minister Modi thanked the UAE leadership for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community there. He reiterated that India supports de-escalation and remains committed to regional peace, security and stability.

CCS reviews findings of Iran attack, flags security of Indian citizens

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met in the national capital on Sunday to review the evolving situation in West Asia.According to an official release, the committee was informed of the subsequent escalation, including the February 28 airstrikes in Iran and attacks in several Gulf countries. This has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of the large Indian diaspora community in the region.CCS also assessed the difficulties faced by Indian passengers traveling through the region and students appearing for scheduled examinations. It reviewed the wider implications of the crisis for regional security as well as economic and commercial activities.The committee has directed all concerned departments to take necessary and feasible measures to help Indian citizens affected by the development. It emphasized the need for a swift cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.

Iran allows stranded foreign students to leave via land border

To provide relief to foreign students, including several from India, stranded in Iran amid rising tensions in West Asia, Tehran has allowed them to leave the country through the land border.The report, citing Iran’s Ministry of Science, said students would be allowed to take their end-of-term exams and defend their doctoral theses at a later date. The revised schedule will be announced separately.The decision comes as universities and public institutions are temporarily closed and Iran’s airspace is closed to international flights due to the ongoing security situation.“The possibility of exit of foreign students through the land border without permission. Head of the Student Affairs Agency of the Ministry of Science: All universities are obliged to provide the necessary assistance to foreign students to exit the country, as well as to announce an alternative time to conduct final term exams or thesis defenses through X News.”