India calls for peace as Iran attacks Israel: 'Return to path of diplomacy'

INDIA expressed serious concern over the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran that has threatened peace and security in the Middle East, its ministry of external affairs said on Sunday (14), hours after Tehran launched a drone and missile attack on Israel, which is already involved in a deadly conflict against Palestinian militant group of Hamas which is backed by Iran.

It also said that Indian embassies in the region were in close touch with the local Indian community.

In a statement, the ministry said, "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 Indian community. It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region."

Read: India asks its citizens not to travel to Israel, Iran as Middle East boils again

Tehran reportedly launched more than 200 drones and missiles at Tehran, calling it an act of "self defence" after the Iranian diplomatic mission in Damascus in Syria was destroyed in air strikes earlier in April. Iran accused Israel behind the attack that killed six people, including a senior commander in an elite unit of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps.

Israel claimed most of the missiles that Iran launched were intercepted before they crossed into its territory. 

US president Joe Biden has promised firm support for the Jewish state against the Iranian attacks.

"I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran's attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel's security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad," he said on X.

The US president also spoke to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the phone. The latter has said his country will respond to the attack strongly and that it has been preparing for a direct attack by its regional foe for years.

A defence source in the US said American forces have been shooting down drones that Iran launched targeting Israel.

"Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect US forces operating in the region," he said.