Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 1: Amid escalating military tensions in West Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and prioritise civilian safety.
“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. Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected,” the MEA said in a statement
The ministry said Indian Missions in the region are in touch with nationals and have issued advisories asking them to remain vigilant, maintain contact with embassies and follow local security guidance.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said he had spoken to several counterparts in the region, including Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, Abbas Araghchi and Gideon Sa'ar. He reiterated India’s position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy.
The developments follow a major military operation launched by the United States and Israel against Iran after talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme ended in Geneva without a breakthrough. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the joint action as Operation ‘Lion’s Roar’.
The strikes reportedly killed several political officials and senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Among the first confirmed civilian casualties were 51 people killed at a girls’ school in Minab in Iran’s Hormozgan province.
Iran retaliated with counterattacks on US regional allies — the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar — which host American military bases. According to a 2024 report by the US Congressional Research Service, the United States operates or manages multiple military sites across the Middle East.
The escalation has disrupted air travel in the region, with several airlines, including Indian carriers, suspending flights through affected airspace.
Tehran has also been witnessing anti-regime protests since January, driven by inflation and economic distress linked to sanctions. Earlier this week, the Indian Embassy in Tehran advised nationals residing in Iran to leave the country by all available means of transport.