We are deeply concerned'-India calls for talks, argues against wider conflict as Israel-Iran tensions spike

We are deeply concerned'-India calls for talks, argues against wider conflict as Israel-Iran tensions spike

The Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said it was deeply concerned about the escalation of the security situation in West Asia amid the Israel-Iran conflict. In a statement, New Delhi stressed the importance of not allowing the conflict to take on "bigger regional dimensions".

"We are deeply concerned by the escalating security situation in West Asia and reiterate our call for restraint and protection of civilians by all concerned. It is important that the conflict does not take on a larger regional dimension and we urge that all issues be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy," MEA said in a statement.

Earlier today, New Delhi said it was closely monitoring the recent escalation of security situation in the region. It has advised Indian nationals to avoid all "non-essential" travel to Iran. "Those who are currently residing in Iran are requested to remain vigilant and keep in touch with the Indian Embassy in Tehran," it said.

Earlier, Minister of External Affairs (MEA) S Jaishankar said India was "concerned about the possibility of escalation of conflict" in West Asia and could contribute as a facilitator of communication between Israel and Iran. "We understand that Israel needed to respond, but we also believe that any response by any country must take into account international humanitarian law, be careful of any harm or impact on the civilian population," he said during the speech. At the Carnegie Endowment Center for International Peace in the US.

Iran fired hundreds of missiles at Israel on Tuesday evening, escalating a years-long conflict between Israel and Iran and its Arab allies.