India calls for restraint and dialogue amid rising Middle East tensions

India on Saturday urged all stakeholders in West Asia to exercise restraint and avoid escalation following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, New Delhi called for the peaceful resolution of disputes while reaffirming the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.

The statement from the Ministry of External Affairs came hours after US and Israeli military operations targeted Tehran and other Iranian cities, prompting retaliatory strikes by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Israel and US military installations in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The ministry expressed deep concern over the unfolding developments and stressed the safety of civilians as a top priority.

India Engages with Regional Partners

Indian missions in West Asia are in contact with Indian nationals and have issued advisories urging vigilance, continuous communication with embassies, and adherence to local security instructions. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held phone conversations with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, conveying India’s concern over the hostilities and reiterating the call for dialogue to de-escalate tensions.

Jaishankar also spoke with foreign ministers from Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, and Kuwait, focusing on regional stability and the welfare of Indian citizens. He acknowledged the assurances provided regarding the safety of the Indian community, which numbers over 10 million across West Asia, with close to 10,000 residing in Iran.

Strategic Balancing Amid Rising Tensions

The attacks followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel, where he held talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and highlighted that peace and stability in West Asia are closely linked to India’s security interests. India continues to maintain a delicate balance between its strategic relations with Israel and its longstanding ties with energy-rich West Asian nations. Indian authorities are closely monitoring the situation, prepared to take necessary measures to protect citizens, though no large-scale evacuation is planned at present.

Advisories have been issued across Bahrain, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the UAE, cautioning Indians to avoid unnecessary travel and urging tourists in Jordan to leave before flight disruptions occur.