'Deeply concerned': India reacts as Iran-Israel conflict escalates

MEA advises citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran

The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday said it was deeply concerned at the escalation of the security situation in West Asia amid Israel-Iran conflict. In a statement, New Delhi emphasised the importance of not letting the conflict take "a wider regional dimension".

"We are deeply concerned at the escalation of security situation in West Asia and reiterate our call for restraint by all concerned and protection of civilians. It is important that the conflict doesn’t take a wider regional dimension and we urge that all issues be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy," said the MEA in a statement.

Earlier today, New Delhi said it was closely monitoring the recent escalation in the security situation in the region. It also advised Indian nationals to avoid all "non-essential" travel to Iran. "Those currently residing in Iran are requested to remain vigilant and stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran," it said.

Earlier External Affairs Minister (MEA) S Jaishankar said India is “concerned at the possibility of a broadening of the conflict” in West Asia, and can contribute as a facilitator of communication between Israel and Iran. “We understand that Israel had a need to respond, but we also believe that any response by any country has to take into account international humanitarian law, that it must be careful about any damage or any implications for civilian populations,” he said while speaking at the Carnegie Endowment Centre for International Peace in the United States.

Iran bombarded hundreds of missiles into Israel on Tuesday evening, escalating the years-long conflict between Israel and Iran and its Arab allies.