The Indian Embassy in Beirut has issued an advisory for its nationals urging them to avoid non-essential travel to Lebanon amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East. The Embassy has advised the Indian nationals residing in Lebanon to restrict their movement and maintain regular contact with the Embassy through their designated email or emergency phone number.
“In view of the recent escalations in the region, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Lebanon,” said the Embassy in its advisory.
“All Indian nationals in Lebanon are advised to exercise caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Beirut through their email id: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128,” it added.
The advisory comes after similar warnings from other countries including Australia, the US, and Britain.
In a message on X, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged Australian citizens in Lebanon to leave the West Asian nation immediately.
"Now is the time to leave, the security situation could deteriorate quickly with little or no notice," she said.
The tensions in the region escalated after Israel killed a Hezbollah commander following the Golan Heights attack. Hours later, Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh was also assassinated in Iran.
Haniyeh's killing added tensions in the region as Iran vowed to take revenge while the Axis of Resistance allies, Hamas and Houthis, blamed Israel for the killing.
Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei declared revenge against Israel — which had vowed to kill Haniyeh and other Hamas top leaders after the October 7 attacks — saying the country has prepared the ground for a severe punishment.
"Following this bitter, tragic event which has taken place within the borders of the Islamic Republic, it is our duty to take revenge," Khamenei said in a post on X.