India calls for immediate de-escalation

India on Sunday said it is seriously concerned over the escalating hostilities between the two sides and called for immediate halt to violence and return to the path of diplomacy.

“We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

“We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy,” it said.

The MEA said India is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia.

“We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our Embassies in the region are in close touch with the Indian community,” it said in a statement.

“It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region,” it added.

In his phone conversation with Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Jaishankar also called for the release of 17 Indians onboard a Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel MSC Aries.

On Saturday, the Iranian military seized a cargo ship with Israeli links near the Strait of Hormuz. The ship has 17 Indian crew members.

“Spoke to Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian this evening. Took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries,” Jaishankar posted on X. “Discussed the current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy. Agreed to remain in touch,” he said.

In his talks with Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz, Jaishankar shared India’s concerns over the situation arising out of the Iran-Israel hostilities.

“Shared our concern at the developments yesterday. Discussed the larger regional situation. Agreed to stay in touch,” the external affairs minister said.

With escalation of tensions in West Asia, India on Friday asked its citizens not to travel to Iran and Israel.

It is learnt that New Delhi is looking at various contingencies including possible evacuation of the Indians from the two countries if the overall situation deteriorates.

At present, around 4,000 Indians are residing in Iran while the number in Israel is nearly 18,500, according to official estimates.