India reacts to Israel-Iran conflict: 'Enjoy close relations with both ... avoid escalatory steps'

India said that it is “deeply concerned” about the ongoing situation between Iran and Israel. In a statement on Friday, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that it is closely monitoring the ongoing situation in West Asia and urged both sides to avoid any form of escalatory steps.

India made these remarks hours after Israel conducted ‘pre-emptive strikes’ on Iranian nuclear and military facilities. The strike led to the elimination of Iran’s top nuclear scientists and military officials,  including the Iranian Army chief of staff and the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ( IRGC ).

“We are deeply concerned about the recent developments between Iran and Israel. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement .

“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. India enjoys close and friendly relations with both countries and stands ready to extend all possible support.”

“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 ministry furthered.

Indian Embassy in Iran issues advisory

Meanwhile, the Indian embassy in Iran issued a travel advisory for all Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin living in Iran. In the statement published on Friday morning, the Indian consulate in Tehran urged Indians to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary movements.

“In view of the current situation in Iran, all Indian nationals & persons of Indian origin in Iran are requested to remain vigilant, avoid all unnecessary movements, follow the Embassy’s Social Media accounts & observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities,” the Indian embassy said in a post on X.

In the early hours of Friday, Israel conducted pre-emptive strikes against nuclear and military facilities in Iran. The strikes led to the death of the Chief of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps. (IRGC) Hossein Salami and the Israeli Army Chief of Staff, Mohammad Bagheri . The Israeli Defence Force later claimed that Iran had launched over 100 drones into its territory, which were intercepted by the Israeli fighter jets. However, the world is still looking closely at how Iran will react to the strikes and whether it will further escalate to a wider conflict in West Asia.