Wed Oct 02 09:36:28 UTC 2024: ## India Advises Citizens to Avoid Iran Amidst Escalating Tensions in West Asia
**New Delhi, October 2, 2024:** Following the escalating tensions in West Asia, India has issued an advisory urging its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also advised Indian nationals residing in Iran to remain vigilant and maintain contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran.
The advisory comes after Iran launched a barrage of around 200 missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israel’s killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and other commanders. While most of the missiles were intercepted by Israeli air defenses, the attack has fueled fears of a wider regional conflict.
“We are deeply concerned at the escalation of the security situation in West Asia and reiterate our call for restraint by all concerned and protection of civilians,” the MEA said in a statement. “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.”
Meanwhile, Delhi Police has beefed up security around the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi, deploying more personnel and intensifying checks. The embassy has been targeted twice in the past, although no injuries were reported.
In response to the Iranian missile attack, Israel vowed to make Iran “pay” and threatened retaliation. Iran has warned of striking “all infrastructure” in Israel if attacked. The US has also vowed to defend its interests in the region and is working with Israel to develop a joint response.
The escalating conflict has also impacted global airlines, with Lufthansa, KLM, and Swiss suspending flights to the Middle East.
The situation continues to evolve, with global leaders expressing their concern and urging restraint.
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