New Delhi:
India is preparing to evacuate its citizens stranded in Israel as soon as conditions permit safe movement, India’s Ambassador to Israel, JP Singh, said amid rapidly escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran.
In an interaction with NDTV, Singh confirmed that the Indian embassy is in continuous contact with nationals currently stuck in the conflict zone and is closely monitoring the evolving security situation.
“We will try to bring them home the moment there’s a window available,” he said, stressing that any evacuation will depend entirely on ground conditions.
Evacuation Routes Under Consideration
According to the ambassador, the embassy is considering land evacuation routes through neighbouring countries once travel becomes feasible.
“We will plan their exit through Egypt or Jordan, whichever route is safer and the moment there is a window available. At present, the situation is not conducive for road travel,” Singh said.
With missile exchanges and military operations intensifying, road movement in and around affected areas remains highly risky. Authorities are therefore waiting for a relative lull in hostilities before initiating any large-scale evacuation effort.
The embassy has issued fresh advisories to Indian nationals, urging them to remain vigilant and strictly follow instructions from local authorities.
“All are advised to follow advisories and local authorities’ instructions,” Singh added.
India Calls for Restraint
Earlier in the day, India formally responded to the crisis, urging all sides to exercise maximum restraint and prevent further escalation.
New Delhi emphasised the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, underlining its consistent diplomatic position on regional conflicts.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held separate telephone conversations with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to discuss the rapidly deteriorating situation.
The outreach signals India’s attempt to maintain diplomatic balance while safeguarding its citizens in the region.
Background to the Escalation
The current surge in violence follows joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, which came after weeks of negotiations between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear programme failed to produce a breakthrough.
Since then, the region has witnessed missile launches, airspace closures, and heightened military readiness, raising concerns for foreign nationals residing in affected areas.
Embassy Monitoring Situation Closely
For now, the Indian embassy in Israel continues to track developments minute by minute. Officials are coordinating with community representatives and compiling data on citizens who may require assistance once evacuation becomes possible.
While no timeline has been announced, authorities have made it clear that evacuation efforts will be launched swiftly when a safe opportunity arises.
With tensions still high, Indian nationals have been advised to remain indoors where possible, maintain communication with the embassy, and avoid unnecessary movement until further notice.