India on Friday issued an advisory warning its citizens against traveling to Iran and Israel amid escalating tensions between the two West Asian nations.
“Due to the prevailing situation in the region, all Indians are advised not to travel to Iran or Israel until further notice. All persons currently residing in Iran or Israel are requested to contact the Indian embassies there and register. They are also requested to observe the highest security measures and limit their movement to a minimum,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
The recommendation comes after Tehran accused Israel of launching an airstrike on its consulate in Syria that killed top Iranian military commanders. Tensions between the two countries have continued to rise since then, with reports suggesting that Israel is preparing for potential military action by Iran in the coming days.
Countries including France and the US have issued similar travel advisories for the region.
India has expressed its concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in West Asia. “We note with concern the attack on Iranian diplomatic premises in Syria on April 1, 2024. India is concerned about the escalation of tensions in West Asia and their potential to fuel further violence and instability. We call on all parties to refrain from actions against the generally accepted principles and norms of international rights,” Randhir Jaiswal, spokesman for the Ministry of External Affairs, told a press conference last week.
The Indian government’s travel advisory comes weeks after a group of Indian workers traveled to Israel under a government-to-government deal