The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday urged all sides to prioritise civilian safety and resolve tensions through dialogue and diplomacy amid the ongoing tension in the Middle East.
“We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians. Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected."
The government also said that Indian missions in the region are in contact with Indian nationals and have issued advisories asking them to remain alert.
“Our Missions in the region are in touch with Indian nationals and have issued appropriate advisories asking them to remain vigilant, stay in contact with the Missions, and follow local security guidance."
US–Israel Strikes Rock Tehran, Tensions Escalate Across Middle East
Explosions were heard across Iran’s capital Tehran early on Saturday after Israel launched what it described as pre-emptive strikes against Iran, sharply escalating tensions in the Middle East. The strikes came after months of growing friction between Iran and the United States.
Israel confirmed that it had carried out the attacks, saying the operation was aimed at removing threats against the country. “The State of Israel launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel," Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said.
Authorities in Israel also sounded air raid sirens in Tel Aviv amid warnings that Iran could respond with missile attacks. The Israeli government declared a state of emergency as security forces prepared for possible retaliation.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said the United States had joined the military campaign. He announced that America “has begun major combat operations in Iran" and claimed that the situation could lead to regime change in Tehran. Trump urged the Iranian public to rise against their leadership as the joint US-Israeli operations continued.
