Defence secy Rajesh Kumar Singh on US-Israel strikes on Iran: 'Will have to continue to maintain our strategic partnerships'

Defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh

As tensions escalated in the Middle East after the US and Israel launched a major attack on Iran, defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said weighed in on the situation.

“The events are moving pretty fast. I am happy that we are in India. I think the present government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given macro economic and geo political stability. In the Middle East, we have a large diaspora. We will have to continue to maintain our strategic partnerships,” said Singh.

He was speaking at the News18 Rising Bharat Summit.

The US and Israel on Saturday launched a joint attack at Iran, which came after days of build-up with US President Donald Trump ramping up the pressure on Tehran to agree to a new deal on its nuclear programme.

Trump said in an 8-minute video posted on his Truth Social that the US has begun “major combat operations in Iran.” He claimed Iran has continued to develop its nuclear program and plans to develop missiles to reach US and appealed to the Iranian people to “take over your government.”

Immediately after the attack, Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes against Iran. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in a post on X, said it was identifying and intercepting these threats.

Indian Embassy issues advisory

The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv on Saturday advised all its citizens to register with it immediately to facilitate swift assistance after the country launched a joint attack.

More than 40,000 Indian nationals currently live and work in Israel.

"Indian nationals residing in Israel who have not yet registered with the Embassy are requested to kindly do so using the link below: https://indembassyisrael.gov.in/indian_nationa," said a post by the mission on its official X handle.

"Registration will enable the Embassy to contact you promptly and provide necessary updates and assistance during the developing situation," it stated further.