Fri Jun 13 01:02:00 UTC 2025: ## India Closely Monitoring Escalating Iran-Israel Conflict Following Israeli Strikes
**New Delhi, June 13, 2025** – India has expressed “deep concern” over the rapidly escalating tensions between Iran and Israel following Israeli strikes on multiple targets within Iran, including nuclear research facilities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement this morning urging both sides to avoid further escalation and emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy.
The strikes, which occurred early Friday, triggered air raid sirens in Jerusalem and Tehran, with reports of explosions across the country. Israel has claimed responsibility, stating it targeted Iranian nuclear and military facilities as part of an operation to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran has condemned the attacks as a “declaration of war” and warned of a “bitter and painful” response.
International reactions have been swift and varied. While some nations, like France, have reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself, others, like Turkey and Pakistan, have strongly condemned the strikes as unjustified aggression and violations of international law. The United States, while urging Iran to make a nuclear deal, praised the Israeli attacks with Trump saying “It’s been excellent and there’s more to come, a lot more”. A number of nations have called for restraint from both parties and have announced the closure of their airspace.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly spoken with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, as part of a broader effort by Netanyahu to garner international support for the Israeli actions. The MEA confirmed that the Indian embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv have issued advisories to Indian citizens, urging them to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel.
The conflict has already had significant economic repercussions, with oil prices surging and stock markets across Asia, including mainland China and Hong Kong, experiencing declines as investors sought safe-haven assets. Air India has been forced to divert or cancel several flights due to the closure of Iranian airspace, offering refunds and rescheduling options to affected passengers. As of now, sixteen Air India flights have either been diverted or are heading back to their origins.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, seeking the urgent evacuation of Kashmiri students currently studying in Iran. The organization estimates that approximately 1,500 students from Kashmir are enrolled in Iranian institutions.
The situation remains highly volatile, with concerns mounting over the potential for a wider regional conflict. India continues to closely monitor developments and has called for a de-escalation of tensions through dialogue and diplomacy.
First Piper 