Iran-Israel tensions: India to remain in touch with both nations, assures safety of Indian nationals
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Iran-Israel tensions: On Sunday morning, India woke up to visuals of Iran unleashing more than 300 drones and missiles towards the enemy country, marking a further escalation in tensions in West Asia which caused immediate concern in New Delhi.
New Delhi quickly issued a statement expressing India’s “serious concern” at the escalation of hostilities, and called for “immediate de-escalation”.
India currently maintains ties with both Israel and Iran and has made efforts to remain neutral amid the war in Gaza.
However, India had been expecting an escalation, which had led to the issuing of an advisory on April 12. As the war clouds hovered over West Asia, New Delhi advised Indians to not travel to Iran and Israel till further notice, “in view of the prevailing situation in the region”.
As reported earlier, the Iranian attack was in response to the suspected Israeli strike on April 1 on an Iranian consular building in Syria’s Damascus that killed 12 people, including a senior general. American intelligence officials had warned on April 12 that Iran could carry out reprisal attacks in the next 48 hours.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, on Sunday, said that India agreed to keep in touch with both Israel and Iran amid the tensions between the two nations.
Jaishankar said that he had a telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister Israel Katz, and shared India’s concerns. "Just concluded a conversation with Israel FM @Israel_katz. Shared our concern at the developments yesterday. Discussed the larger regional situation. Agreed to stay in touch," Jaishankar said on 'X'.
Jaishankar also spoke to his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.Jaishankar spoke about the hostilities between Iran and Israel as well as the release of the 17 Indian nationals onboard a Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel.
The MSC Aries was seized by the Iranian military near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, reportedly in view of its links with Israel. The MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) said it is working closely with relevant authorities for the well-being of the 25 crew members and return of the vessel.
India urges de-escalation
New Delhi quickly issued a statement expressing India’s “serious concern” at the escalation of hostilities, and called for “immediate de-escalation”.
“We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region. We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our Embassies in the region are in close touch with Indian community. It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region," read an official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs.
Also Read: NB Explains | Why did India advise its citizens not to travel to Israel, Iran?
India currently maintains ties with both Israel and Iran and has made efforts to remain neutral amid the war in Gaza.
However, India had been expecting an escalation, which had led to the issuing of an advisory on April 12. As the war clouds hovered over West Asia, New Delhi advised Indians to not travel to Iran and Israel till further notice, “in view of the prevailing situation in the region”.
As reported earlier, the Iranian attack was in response to the suspected Israeli strike on April 1 on an Iranian consular building in Syria’s Damascus that killed 12 people, including a senior general. American intelligence officials had warned on April 12 that Iran could carry out reprisal attacks in the next 48 hours.
India talks with Iran & Israel
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, on Sunday, said that India agreed to keep in touch with both Israel and Iran amid the tensions between the two nations.
Jaishankar said that he had a telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister Israel Katz, and shared India’s concerns. "Just concluded a conversation with Israel FM @Israel_katz. Shared our concern at the developments yesterday. Discussed the larger regional situation. Agreed to stay in touch," Jaishankar said on 'X'.
Just concluded a conversation with Israel FM @Israel_katz.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) April 14, 2024
Shared our concern at the developments yesterday.
Discussed the larger regional situation. Agreed to stay in touch.
Jaishankar also spoke to his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.Jaishankar spoke about the hostilities between Iran and Israel as well as the release of the 17 Indian nationals onboard a Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel.
Spoke to Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian this evening.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) April 14, 2024
Took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries.
Discussed the current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy.
Agreed to remain…
The MSC Aries was seized by the Iranian military near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, reportedly in view of its links with Israel. The MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) said it is working closely with relevant authorities for the well-being of the 25 crew members and return of the vessel.