India Urges De-Escalation Amid Israel-Iran Tensions: Calls For Diplomacy To Prevail

Iran-Israel Tensions: India has urged both countries to "return to the path of diplomacy". Reacting to the Irani drone and missile attacks on Israel, India called for “immediate de-escalation”.

Explosions seen in the skies of the capital, following the attack from Iran in Tel Aviv, Israel on April 14. ( Image Source :Getty Images )

India Sunday called for “immediate de-escalation” as Iran launched several drones and missiles on Israel late Saturday escalating the ongoing war as tensions spiralled out of control in West Asia.

MEA stated that the hostilities between Israel and Iran threaten the peace and security in the region, hence it calls for an "immediate exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence". India has urged both countries to "return to the path of diplomacy". 

"We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region," MEA said in a statement issued on Sunday morning. 

"We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence, and return to the path of diplomacy," it said. 

The ministry is said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation. "Our Embassies in the region are in close touch with the Indian community. It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region," it said. 

The Embassy of India in Israel has issued an important advisory for Indian nationals in Israel. It has urged Indians to stay calm and adhere to the safety protocol issued by the local authorities. 

📢*IMPORTANT ADVISORY FOR INDIAN NATIONALS IN ISRAEL*

Link : https://t.co/OEsz3oUtBJ pic.twitter.com/ZJJeu7hOug

— India in Israel (@indemtel) April 14, 2024

Iran Attacks Israel In Retaliation

Tehran has launched a drone and missile attack on Tel Aviv after pledging retaliation for a strike on its consular building in Damascus, Syria.

According to Israeli military authorities, Iran launched over 200 drones and missiles at it. "The regime in Iran sent a massive swarm of over 200 killer drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles," Israeli authorities said.

The Israeli army said that "dozens of surface-to-surface missile launches" were identified approaching Israeli territory. According to Israel, the majority of them were intercepted before they crossed the territory. Israel said troops are deployed on all fronts, prepared, and continuing to defend its territory.

Reacting to the development, US President Joe Biden extended "ironclad" support for Israel against Iranian attacks. He chaired an urgent meeting with his top officials over the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

"I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran's attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel's security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad," Biden said in an X post.