'Avoid Any Escalatory Steps': With Iran-Israel Tensions High, India Urges Dialogue And Diplomacy For De-escalation

India on Friday (13 June) expressed concern over the tensions between Israel and Iran after the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) launched airstrikes targeting multiple Iranian military and nuclear sites.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged both sides to avoid "any escalatory steps" and offered to extend "all possible support" for de-escalation.

"We are deeply concerned at the recent developments between Iran and Israel. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites," MEA said.

"India urges both sides to avoid any escalatory steps. Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards a de-escalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues. India enjoys close and friendly relations with both the countries and stands ready to extend all possible support," the ministry said.

The ministry further said that India's embassies in both countries are in contact with the Indian community.

"All Indian nationals in the region are advised to exercise caution, stay safe and follow local security advisories," the ministry added.

The Israeli airstrikes under Operation Rising Lioon on early Friday morning in Tehran and multiple other locations across Iran resulted in killing of top Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami was killed in one of the Israeli air strike, according to Iranian media reports.

Several other senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders and nuclear scientists are also reported to be among the dead in the large-scale Israeli strikes targeting Tehran and multiple provinces across Iran.

Iranian state television outlet IRIB confirmed that Major General Gholam Ali Rashid, commander of the central headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces, was also killed in one of the attacks.

Veteran nuclear scientists Mohammad-Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoon Abbasi have also been martyred in separate attacks, Iranian state-owned Press TV reported.

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