India on Saturday expressed serious concern over the recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran, urging all sides to avoid further escalation in the volatile Gulf region. In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “India is deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region. We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians.”
The statement followed joint strikes by the United States and Israel targeting Iranian positions. Reports indicated that Iran retaliated with missile attacks across parts of the Gulf and towards Israel, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
The MEA stressed that dialogue and diplomacy must be prioritised to ease tensions. “Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected,” the ministry added, underlining India’s consistent position on peaceful resolution of disputes.
Amid growing concerns for Indian nationals in the region, the MEA said Indian missions are in constant contact with citizens and have issued advisories asking them to remain vigilant and follow local security guidance. However, there was no immediate announcement regarding evacuation plans, as airspace across large parts of West Asia remains restricted due to ongoing military activity.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation also conducted a high-level review of preparedness measures. Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan assessed the potential impact on international flight operations. Airports, particularly major international hubs, have been placed on operational alert to manage diversions, unscheduled landings, and passenger support.
Indian airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, have suspended flights to and from parts of the Middle East. Carriers have been instructed to closely monitor airspace advisories and reroute flights in accordance with global safety protocols.
There are over 9 million Indians living in the Middle East, with the largest concentration in the UAE and around 10,000 in Iran, making the situation a matter of significant concern for New Delhi.