‘Deeply concerned’: India calls for immediate de-escalation amid US-Israel Iran strikes

New Delhi: India issued an urgent plea for de-escalation Saturday, stating it is "deeply concerned" by the wave of joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran and the subsequent retaliatory fire sweeping across the Gulf region.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called for an immediate return to "dialogue and diplomacy," as U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed a "massive and ongoing" campaign intended to "destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground."

"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 MEA stated. "Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected."

Widespread Alerts for the Diaspora

With millions of Indian nationals residing in the conflict zone, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that diplomatic missions in Tehran, Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai have been placed on high alert.

In Qatar, the Indian Embassy issued an "important advisory" following local emergency alerts that warned the public to stay indoors and avoid military installations.

"In view of the current regional situation, all Indian nationals in Qatar are advised to take due care, follow news and advisories as and when issued by the Embassy and local authorities," the mission stated. It further emphasised that residents should "stay inside buildings, whether in homes or elsewhere, and not to go out or move except for the utmost necessity to avoid exposure to any risks."

In the United Arab Emirates, where missile interceptions were reported over Abu Dhabi, the Indian Embassy urged its citizens to "avoid unnecessary travel, take due care, remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines and advisories." The mission provided toll-free and WhatsApp contact points for the nearly 3.5 million Indians in the country, noting that the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai "are continuing to function normally."

Shelter-in-Place in Iran

The Indian Embassy in Tehran maintained its directive for the approximately 10,000 Indians in the country to "exercise utmost caution, avoid unnecessary movements and remain indoors as far as possible."

"Indians may also continue to monitor the news, maintain situational awareness and await any further guidance from the Embassy of India," the mission advised.

Trump’s Military Objectives

The diplomatic scramble coincides with a defiant stance from the White House. President Trump, utilising his Truth Social platform, characterised the military operation as an effort to permanently dismantle Tehran’s strategic capabilities.

"The United States military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation," Trump said in a video address. "We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground."

The conflict has resulted in the total closure of airspace over several Middle Eastern nations, complicating potential evacuation efforts for the Indian government.

With inputs from IANS