Israel-Iran Tensions: India Expresses ‘Serious Concern’ At Escalation Of Hostilities In West Asia – News18

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Objects are seen in the sky above Tel Aviv after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, in Tel Aviv, Israel April 14, 2024, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video. (Reuters)

Objects are seen in the sky above Tel Aviv after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, in Tel Aviv, Israel April 14, 2024, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video. (Reuters)

India voices concern over escalating Iran-Israel tensions. Calls for de-escalation and diplomatic resolution amid military strikes

Expressing serious concern at the escalation of hostilities in West Asia, India on Sunday called for “immediate de-escalation” after Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel.

Iran launched more than 200 drones and missiles on Israel in an unprecedented attack late Saturday, the Israeli army announced, in a major escalation of the long-running covert war between the regional foes. “We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement posted on social media platform X.

Immediate de-escalation

The MEA called for call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy “We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our Embassies in the region are in close touch with Indian community. It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region,” it added.

Iran had repeatedly threatened to strike Israel in retaliation for a deadly April 1 air strike on its Damascus consular annexe and Washington had warned repeatedly in recent days that the reprisals were imminent. “Iran launched UAVs from its territory towards the territory of the state of Israel,” military spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a televised statement. “We are working in close cooperation with the United States and our partners in the region in order to act against the launches and intercept them,” Rear Admiral Hagari said.