India urges dialogue amid escalating Iran-Israel conflict

The Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi expressed deep concern on Wednesday about the escalating tensions between Tel Aviv and Tehran. Following Tuesday's attack by Iran, the Indian authorities called on both sides "to engage in dialogue."

India strives to maintain neutrality in both the conflict between Israel and Palestinian Hamas and in the war with the Iranian-backed Lebanese Hezbollah.

"We are deeply concerned about the escalation of the situation in the region. We urge all countries in West Asia (which is the term used in India for the Middle East) to exercise restraint and protect civilians," said the statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

The document also emphasized the importance, "that the conflict does not spread to the entire region, and tensions are resolved through dialogue and diplomacy."

India, where approximately 15 percent of the population is Muslim, traditionally supports the establishment of a Palestinian state. However, in recent years, it has developed relations with Israel, which has become its key supplier of modern weaponry.

On Tuesday evening, Iran launched a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel. The Israeli army reported that it shot down "a large portion" of the 180 missiles heading toward Israel.

No casualties were reported. Iran announced that the airstrike was retaliation for the killing by Israel of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, and Iranian General Abbas Nilforoushan.

Western countries condemned this attack. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken deemed it "absolutely unacceptable." German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned Iran that this was a dangerous escalation. French Prime Minister Michel Barnier expressed concern over the escalation of the conflict; the United Kingdom and the United Nations condemned the attack.

Source: PAP/WP News