Iran-Israel Conflict: 'Concerned' India calls for 'de-escalation'
economictimes.indiatimes.comIndia faced a tightrope walk as Iran launched a direct attack on Israel for the first time, responding to an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus earlier this month.
If the war escalates and spreads across West Asia, it might impact India's critical interests in the energy sector as well as its diaspora numbering about 10 million in the Gulf region, said people with knowledge of the matter.
Any possible evacuation of diaspora in case of a wider conflict would also be a mammoth task, they said.
The external affairs ministry said: «We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region. We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy.»
The ministry's spokesperson further said, «We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our embassies in the region are in close touch with the Indian community. It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region.»
The people cited earlier told ET that while Israel is militarily superior to many of its neighbours, it may have overplayed its hand by targeting the Iranian consulate while handling Gaza operations. A direct attack on an Iranian diplomatic asset was bound to provoke a reaction, they said, given that Iran and Israel had been involved in a war of words for the past 15 years. India is keeping a close watch on any retaliation by Israel and US moves to control situation.
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