New Delhi: India on Wednesday called for restraint among the parties in the Middle East and urged that all issues be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy, as Iran let loose a barrage of missiles at Israel even as Tel Aviv has vowed revenge.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said:
“We are deeply concerned at the escalation of security situation in West Asia and reiterate our call for restraint by all concerned and protection of civilians.
“It is important that the conflict doesn’t take a wider regional dimension and we urge that all issues be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy.”
Iran fired 200 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday, which appeared to have been blunted by Israeli defenses with the help of the United States and its allies.
Israel has vowed to retaliate, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying Iran had made a “big mistake” and “will pay”, amid fears of a wider all-out war between the two regional powers.
One person was killed in the attack, and the extent of the damage remains unclear. Many of the Iranian missiles fell at, or near, the headquarters of Israeli intelligence service Mossad and two air bases.
Iran said the attack was in response to the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. Iran’s military chief also warned of broader strikes if Israel responds.
