India is “deeply concerned” about the escalating situation in the West Asian region after Iran fired hundreds of missiles that hit targets in and around capital Tel Aviv. A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs urged that the conflict should not take a wider regional shape.
Israel-Iran war?updates: October 2, 2024
“We are deeply concerned at the escalation of security situation in West Asia and reiterate our call for restraint by all concerned and protection of civilians. It is important that the conflict doesn’t take a wider regional dimension and we urge that all issues be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in its statement. The official response came hours after Iran launched around 200 missiles at Israel that hit targets in Tel Aviv and other areas.
Israel’s war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip will turn a year old on October 7, 2024 and Tuesday’s missile attacks by Iran has broadened the conflict. India’s embassy in Beirut had earlier called upon Indian nationals to leave Lebanon and cautioned against travelling to the country, which is being bombed by Israel.
The Indian embassy in Tel Aviv has called upon Indian citizens in Israel to “exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country and stay close to safety shelters”. “The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and remains in regular touch with the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all our nationals,” the Indian embassy said in a notification.
Israel has 30,000 Indian nationals who are part of Israel’s work force as well as students and researchers. The Embassy of India in Tel Aviv has advised Indian citizens to contact its 24x7 helpline in case of emergency. The numbers are: +972-547520711 and +972-543278392.
PTI adds:
In the wake of the escalating tensions in West Asia, India on Wednesday (October 02, 2024) advised its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran.
In an advisory, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also urged the Indian nationals presently residing in Iran to remain vigilant and stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran.
The advisory came a day after Iran fired around 200 missiles into Israel in response to Israel’s killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and other commanders of the militant outfit.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran will “pay” for the missile strikes.
“We are closely monitoring the recent escalation in security situation in the region,” the MEA said.
“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,” it said.
The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv on Tuesday issued an advisory for Indian nationals living in Israel.
“In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to the safety protocols as advised by the local authorities,” it said.
“Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country and stay close to safety shelters,” it said.
The embassy said it is closely monitoring the situation and remains in regular touch with the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all Indian nationals.
Published - October 02, 2024 01:10 pm IST