AS A joint military strike by the US and Israel on Iran triggered fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East, India on Saturday urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid escalation, emphasising that sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected. In its first reaction to the fast-evolving situation in the region, New Delhi said it is “deeply concerned” over the developments in Iran and the Gulf region, and that “dialogue and diplomacy” should be pursued to de-escalate tensions. Separately, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held phone conversations with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar. Jaishankar conveyed to Araghchi India’s deep over the developments in Iran and the region. Any prolonged instability in the region will be detrimental to India’s national interests, as it remains a major source of New Delhi’s energy security and home to millions of Indian nationals.

 

MEA said India is deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region. “We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians,” the MEA said. “Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected,” it said. Indian missions in Gulf advise nationals to ‘exercise utmost caution’: THE Indian missions in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan among other countries in the Gulf region on Saturday issued advisories for its citizens urging them to “exercise utmost caution” and follow advisories issued by local authorities diligently. Several missions also said it is in touch with Indian citizens stranded at the airport or at other places as the two airports at Dubai, the largest aviation hub, shut down and the United Arab Emirates

 

(UAE) and Iraq closed their airspace, hours after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran escalated to region wide tension. The Indian Embassy in Iran and the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel advised Indian nationals to register with it immediately to facilitate swift assistance to ensure the safety of Indian nationals residing in Israel and urging them to exercise “utmost caution” and “remain indoors.” “Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential and unnecessary travel within Israel until further notice. Citizens are encouraged to monitor local news, official announcements, and emergency alerts regularly,” the Embassy at Tel Aviv said.