India urges restraint amid escalating Israel-Iran conflict
The attack by Iran on Israel has resonated strongly around the world. A statement regarding the events in the Middle East was issued on Wednesday by the Ministry of External Affairs of India.
The Ministry in Delhi expressed deep concern on Wednesday about the escalating tension between Tel Aviv and Tehran. Following Tuesday's attack by Iran, Indian authorities called for both sides "to engage in dialogue."
India strives to maintain neutrality regarding both Israel’s conflict with Palestinian Hamas and the war with the Iranian-backed Lebanese Hezbollah.
"We are deeply concerned about the escalation of the situation in the region. We urge all countries in West Asia (as the Middle East is known in India - editorial note) to exercise restraint and provide protection to civilians," the Ministry of External Affairs of India states.
The document also emphasised the importance "of ensuring the conflict does not spread across the region and that tensions are resolved through dialogue and diplomacy."
India, where about 15 percent of the population is Muslim, has traditionally supported the establishment of a Palestinian state. However, in recent years, it has developed relations with Israel, which has become a key supplier of modern weapons.
Israel under fire. Rockets from Iran fall
On Tuesday evening, Iran fired a volley of ballistic missiles at Israel. The Israeli army reported that it had intercepted "a large proportion" of the 180 rockets heading towards Israel.
No casualties were reported. Iran announced that the raid was in retaliation for Israel killing Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah head Hassan Nasrallah, and Iranian General Abbas Nilforoushan.
Western countries condemned this attack. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken deemed it "absolutely unacceptable." German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock declared that she had warned Iran this was a dangerous escalation. French Prime Minister Michel Barnier expressed concern about the escalation of the conflict; the attack was also condemned by the United Kingdom and the United Nations.
