Last Updated:
“We are closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites,” India said in a statement.
Tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated into open threats and missile strikes, bringing the Middle East to the brink of war. (Pics: AFP)
India on Friday expressed deep concern over the heightening tensions between Israel and Iran after the former attacked “targeted strikes” on Tehran’s nuclear sites.
“We are deeply concerned at the recent developments between Iran and Israel. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
New Delhi urged both the nations to avoid any further escalatory steps and use dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the issues.
“India urges both sides to avoid any escalatory steps. Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards a de-escalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues,” the statement added.
India said that it enjoys close and friendly relations with both the countries and stands ready to offer all possible support in resolving the escalating ties.
The statement further said that the Indian embassies in both the countries are in contact with the Indian community. It urged the Indian nationals in the region to exercise caution and stay safe.
“Our Missions in both countries are in contact with the Indian community. All Indian nationals in the region are advised to exercise caution, stay safe and follow local security advisories” the statement added.
Israel Launches Strikes Against Iran
Israel carried out strikes against Iran on Friday, targeting its nuclear and military sites. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have confirmed that the “first stage” of their military operation is now complete, signalling a possible continuation of coordinated attacks.
Calling the offensive “Rising Lion,” Israel said it was also targeting Iranian commanders and missile factories, and declared a state of emergency in anticipation of retaliatory missile and drone strikes by Tehran.
“We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video message.
Israel targeted Iranian scientists working on a nuclear bomb, its ballistic missile programme and its Nantanz uranium enrichment facility, in an operation that would continue for days, he said.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Commander Hossein Salami, Army chief Mohammad Bagheri and several top nuclear scientists have been killed in the Israeli strikes.
In response, Tehran has declared a nationwide state of emergency, according to state-run media outlets. Emergency services have been mobilised, and the Iranian military has reportedly been placed on high alert. The targeted killing of top military and nuclear figures has further inflamed an already volatile scenario.
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More
- First Published:
