Amid the escalating tensions in West Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has confirmed that the Indian Embassy in Israel is maintaining close contact with the Indian community residing there. This comes as part of a series of precautionary measures aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian nationals amid the ongoing conflict.
At a press briefing on Saturday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the Indian government is vigilant about the situation. “There are around 20,000 to 30,000 people of Indian origin living in Israel. Our embassy there is in constant touch with them, and we have issued necessary travel advisories and other guidance to ensure their safety,” Jaiswal said.
India’s MEA has kept a close eye on the developments, particularly following the escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran. The ministry reiterated India’s position on the conflict, referring to its October 26 statement, which urged all parties involved to return to dialogue and diplomacy as the most viable means of restoring peace. “We are deeply concerned by the evolving escalation in West Asia and its ramifications for peace and stability in the region and beyond,” the MEA’s statement read. “We reiterate our call to all concerned to exercise restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy.”
The MEA spokesperson also highlighted the Indian government’s concern for the safety of civilians, noting the impact of the hostilities on both sides. “The ongoing hostilities are to nobody’s benefit, even as innocent hostages and civilian populations continue to suffer,” the statement added, emphasizing that Indian diplomatic missions across the region are in constant contact with the Indian community to ensure timely assistance when needed.
The recent surge in tensions followed a series of military actions in the region. On October 26, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced it had conducted “precise strikes” on Iranian military targets, an action it described as necessary to counter Iran’s increasing threat. Israel’s response came nearly a month after Iran launched around 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel, escalating a yearlong conflict that has involved both sides and their regional allies. The prolonged conflict has also seen frequent cross-border strikes between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon.
The MEA’s call for restraint and dialogue reflects India’s longstanding stance on West Asian conflicts, urging all parties involved to prioritize diplomacy and minimize harm to civilian lives. The statement also underscored the government’s commitment to providing support to its diaspora amid the deteriorating security situation. The Indian Embassy in Israel is working in coordination with local authorities to provide timely advisories and support to Indian nationals, ensuring they remain informed and prepared in case of emergency evacuations or relocations.
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In recent days, Israel has intensified its strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, aiming to neutralize the group’s capabilities and protect its own border areas. On Saturday, Hezbollah launched rocket attacks in retaliation, targeting the central Arab town of Tira. According to Israeli media reports, 11 people were injured in the overnight attack. Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed dozens of Hezbollah fighters, including two senior members. This series of exchanges has raised fears of a broader regional conflict, with Iran, Hezbollah, and other proxy groups all positioning themselves in opposition to Israeli operations.
India has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the West Asian conflict and has maintained diplomatic relations with both Israel and several Arab nations, including Iran. The MEA’s current approach aligns with India’s foreign policy of non-alignment and neutrality in foreign conflicts, while ensuring the protection of its citizens abroad.
The MEA has urged all Indian nationals in Israel to remain vigilant, adhere to local advisories, and stay in regular contact with the embassy to ensure their safety. The Indian government is expected to continue monitoring the situation closely, with the possibility of additional advisories or emergency measures if the hostilities worsen.
