Key points
- India did not condemn Israeli strikes on Iran
- India emphasised need to revive existing channels of dialogue
- The attack violates the UN Charter and international law: Russia
ISLAMABAD: India has expressed “deep concern” over the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran following Israel’s large-scale airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites and top military personnel, in what has been described as Operation Rising Lion.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India was “closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites,” and urged “both sides to avoid any escalatory steps,” according to the Hindu.
Rather than explicitly condemning Israel, India emphasised the need to revive “existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy … to work towards a de‑escalation of the situation”.
Extending possible support
The MEA reaffirmed India’s “close and friendly relations with both countries” and stated it “stands ready to extend all possible support.”
It also issued safety advisories, noting that Indian missions in Tehran and Tel Aviv are in contact with the diaspora and advising Indian nationals to exercise caution.
India’s cautious approach reflects its strategic balancing act: without condemning Israel’s actions, it maintains a constructive posture aimed at preserving diplomatic ties with both nations amid a rapidly destabilising Middle Eastern flashpoint.
Russia’s strong condemnation
Russia “strongly condemns” Israel’s strikes on Iran, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday. According to the ministry, the attack violates the UN Charter and international law, and could cause a dangerous escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
Earlier on Friday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it carried out a series of attacks targeting military and nuclear sites in Iran.
Killing nuclear scientists
Iranian media reported that several senior military commanders, including IRGC commander Hossein Salami and Deputy Chief of Army Staff Gholam Ali Rashid, and at least six nuclear scientists were killed in the strikes, according to Russia Today.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation aimed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The attack came just two days before the sixth round of US-Iran nuclear talks scheduled for Sunday in Oman.
“We strongly condemn the violent action of the State of Israel,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “Unprovoked military strikes against a sovereign UN member state, its citizens, sleeping peaceful cities, and nuclear energy infrastructure facilities are categorically unacceptable.”
