India on Sunday called for an “immediate de-escalation” in the wake of Iran launching a direct attack on Israel by firing a barrage of missiles and drones.
It also expressed concerns at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran that threaten “peace and security in the region”. In response to the Iranian attack, the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement, “We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region.”
“We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy,” it added.
The Ministry also said that it was “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.”
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Iran fired more than 200 missiles and drones directly towards Israeli territory in the early hours of Sunday.
Iran’s unprecedented attack was in retaliation against the April 1 airstrike on its consulate in Damascus that killed seven Revolutionary Guards, including two commanders, and six Syrian civilians. Israel, however, has not acknowledged the airstrike.
The IDF also said that the forces intercepted the “vast majority” of the missiles and drones, while adding that a number of “small hits” were recorded in southern Israel, with minor damage to infrastructure.
In response to the attack, US President Joe Biden said Washington’s support for Israel’s security is “ironclad” and his country “will stand with the people of Israel and support their defence against these threats from Iran”.