‘Deeply concerned’ India calls for restraint, civilians’ protection in Middle East

India has expressed deep concern over the escalation of the security situation in West Asia (Middle East) and said the conflict must not take a wider regional dimension even as it advised its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran.

India’s comments came on Wednesday (October 2), a day after Iran fired around 200 missiles into Israel in response to the latter’s killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and other commanders of the militant outfit.

Following the Iranian action, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran will “pay” for it.

Call for “dialogue and diplomacy”

In its reaction to the fresh hostilities in West Asia, New Delhi reiterated its call for addressing all issues through “dialogue and diplomacy”.

“We are deeply concerned at the escalation of the security situation in West Asia and reiterate our call for restraint by all concerned and protection of civilians,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

“It is important that the conflict doesn’t take a wider regional dimension and we urge that all issues be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy,” it said in a statement.

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Indian advisory in Iran

As tension spiked in view of Iran-Israel hostilities, India advised its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran.

In an advisory, the MEA also urged the Indian nationals residing in Iran to remain vigilant and stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran.

According to official data, over 4,000 Indian nationals live in Iran.

“We are closely monitoring the recent escalation in the security situation in the region,” the MEA said.

“Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran. Those currently residing in Iran are requested to remain vigilant and stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran,” it said.

Advisory in Israel

The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv on Tuesday issued an advisory for Indian nationals living in Israel, too.

“In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to the safety protocols as advised by the local authorities,” it said.

“Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country and stay close to safety shelters,” it said.

The embassy said it is closely monitoring the situation and remains in regular touch with the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all Indian nationals.

Airstrikes continue in Beirut

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said the missile attack on Israel was in response to the killing of Hezbollah chief Nasrallah and the IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoushan, according to Iranian media.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military continued airstrikes in southern Beirut, targeting Hezbollah infrastructures.

Iran’s IRNA news agency reported that Yemeni armed forces have struck Israeli military positions, using three Quds-5 cruise missiles.

Flights impacted

The escalating tensions in West Asia have impacted some flights from Europe to India, while Air India is monitoring the situation closely, according to officials.

German carrier Lufthansa on Wednesday cancelled its flights from Hyderabad to Frankfurt (LH753/01) and from Mumbai to Frankfurt (LH757/01) due to current situation in West Asia.

This follows the airline cancelling the services from Frankfurt to Hyderabad and Mumbai on Tuesday.

“Passengers have been rerouted or accommodated,” Jeffrey James, Head of Lufthansa Group Communications (Asia Pacific) told news agency PTI on Wednesday.

Lufthansa operates around 65 weekly flights from Europe to India.

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Airlines avoid Iranian airspace

Officials in the know said Air India and Vistara have stopped using the Iranian airspace sometime back.

An Air India official on Wednesday said it assesses all flights daily for any potential security or safety risks whether it is in the Middle East or any other part of its route network.

“Adjustments are made, if required, to avoid areas of risk with minimal impact on our non-stop operations. The situation is being monitored closely,” the official said.

Air India has already suspended flights to Tel Aviv (Israel) till further notice.

Routes changed

The airline flies to 44 international destinations, including various European cities, while Vistara has direct services to Paris, Frankfurt and London.

Some European carriers have changed their routes to fly to India.

LOT Polish Airlines’ flight from Warsaw to Delhi is not using the Iranian airspace on Wednesday. The flight had flown through the Iranian airspace on September 30, as per data from flight tracking website Flightradar24.

Lufthansa Group’s Jeffrey James said its flights will continue to avoid Israeli airspace up to and including October 31.

EASA issues safety bulletin

European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on Wednesday issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin recommending operators not to perform flights in the airspace of Iran at all flight levels.

After consultations with the European Union, EASA said it has issued the bulletin in view of the Iranian attack against Israel on October 1 and Israel’s announcement of its intention to retaliate.

“EASA will continue to monitor the situation closely, to assess whether there is an increase or decrease of risks for EU aircraft operators as a result of the evolution of the threat,” it said in a statement.

(With agency inputs)