Amid the joint strikes by the US and Israel on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory attacks on American assets across the Persian Gulf and Israel, India on Saturday called on both sides to avoid escalation and exercise restraint.
"We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
The Ministry of External Affairs asserted that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected.
India said it is "deeply concerned" about the situation in the Middle East as the attacks have spread to Gulf nations including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait.
"Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected," it said.
The ministry said its embassies in the Middle-East are in touch with citizens and have issued appropriate advisories, asking them to remain vigilant and follow local security guidance.
The strikes have resulted in several death across different countries. These include a Pakistani national who was killed in Abu Dhabi on Saturday after Iran launched retaliatory attacks. The person, whose details have not been revealed, was killed by shrapnel from an Iranian missile attack.
At least 51 students were killed in an attack on a girls' school in Minab, Hormaozgan in southern Iran. Around 60 others were also injured in the attack. Iran’s Red Crescent said on Saturday revealed that more than 20 provinces of Iran were under attacks.
