Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held telephonic conversations with Iran and Israeli counterparts amid a fresh escalation of tension in West Asia.
Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel, as its proxies and allies also carried out coordinated attacks on Israeli positions on Saturday, triggering tension of further escalation of the situation amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Iran insisted it acted in “self-defence” after the targeting of its diplomatic mission in Damascus.
Speaking with Iran FM Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Jaishankar discussed the importance of avoiding escalation and exercising restraint to tackle the current situation.
He asked Iran to return to the path of ‘diplomacy’.
In his conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Jaishankar discussed the larger regional situation and shared concern over the latest developments in West Asia.
Hours after Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel, raising a major concern over the escalation of hostilities between the two countries, India on Sunday called for immediate de-escalation.
“We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our Embassies in the region are in close touch with the Indian community. It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region,” the ministry has said in its statement.