In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Iran directly targeted Israel for the first time by launching around 300 explosive drones and firing missiles late Saturday. This retaliatory strike, which Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC) dubbed “True Promise,” was in response to an April 1 Israeli operation that targeted the Iranian consulate in Syria, killing 12 people including two IRGC senior generals. The attack initiated widespread alarms across Israel, with reports of critical injuries including a 7-year-old girl.
India’s call for calm
Reacting to the burgeoning crisis, India issued a statement on Sunday urging for an “immediate de-escalation” and a return to diplomatic negotiations. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed grave concern over the escalation, highlighting the threat it poses to regional peace and security.
“We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region[…]We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our Embassies in the region are in close touch with Indian community.
It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Through its embassy in Israel, India has also advised its nationals in the area to remain vigilant and stay calm.
Tensions running high in the Middle East
The attack has stirred international concerns. US forces are reportedly mobilising towards the Middle East, reinforcing the American military’s already significant presence in the region.
Meanwhile, Iran’s mission to the United Nations stated that with this attack, the issue is “concluded,” but issued a stern warning of a “considerably more severe” response if Israel were to retaliate or escalate the situation further. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that his country had anticipated such direct confrontations and was prepared to respond “both defensively and offensively.”
The situation remains tense, with potential implications for wider regional stability as global powers watch closely and regional actors assess their next moves.
With inputs from agencies
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‘We are closely monitoring…’: Here’s how India responded to Iran’s drone attack on Israel
