India on Saturday expressed concern over the mounting tensions in the Middle East following the Israeli air strikes on Iran, and urged all concerned to exercise restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy.
The Ministry of External Affairs’ statement came as the security situation in the region worsened after Israeli force launched pointed air strikes in multiple locations in Iran, in retaliation to Tehran’s missile attack last month.
“We are deeply concerned by the evolving escalation in West Asia and its ramifications for peace and stability in the region and beyond. We reiterate our call to all concerned to exercise restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy,” the MEA said.
“The ongoing hostilities are to nobody’s benefit, even as innocent hostages and civilian populations continue to suffer. Our Missions in the region are in contact with the Indian community,” it added.
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According to reports, the Israeli Defence Forces carried out “precise” strikes at Iran’s military targets in Tehran and other cities though Iran insisted that the strikes caused only limited damage.
Neither Tel Aviv or Tehran has provided detailed assessments of the destruction.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry said the country would respond to the airstrikes, calling them a clear violation of international law as it asserted Tehran's right to self-defense.
Israel has launched an all-out military operation against Hamas in Gaza and Hebullah in Lebanon after the October 7, 2023 attack.