India advises its citizens in Iran and Israel to exercise utmost caution
NEW DELHI, Feb 28: As a joint attack by the US and Israel on Iran triggered a massive military confrontation in the Middle-East, India on Saturday urged all sides to exercise restraint and avoid escalation, asserting that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected.
In its first reaction to the fast-evolving situation in the region, New Delhi said it is “deeply concerned” over the developments in Iran and the Gulf region.
Following the attack by the United States and Israel, Iran launched retaliatory military strikes targeting several American military bases in the Middle-East, including in Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
“Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected,” it said.
The MEA said its missions in the Middle-East are in touch with Indian nationals and have issued appropriate advisories, asking them to remain vigilant and follow local security guidance.
ADVISORY TO INDIANS IN IRAN AND ISRAEL
India on Saturday advised its nationals in Iran and Israel to exercise utmost caution and remain vigilant after US President Donald Trump announced major combat operations against Iran.
In an advisory, the Indian embassy in Iran urged Indian nationals in that country to avoid unnecessary movements and remain indoors.
“In view of the developing situation, all Indian nationals in Iran are advised to exercise utmost caution, avoid unnecessary movements and remain indoors as far as possible,” it said.
“Indians may also continue to monitor the news, maintain situational awareness and await any further guidance from the Embassy of India.”
“The emergency contact details of the embassy are reiterated as below,” the mission said.
According to official estimates in January, little over 10,000 Indians including students were living in Iran.
The Indian embassy in Israel also issued a similar advisory urging Indian nationals in the country to exercise “utmost caution and remain vigilant at all times”.
The Indian diaspora in Israel comprises over 41,000 people.
“Indian nationals are strongly advised to strictly adhere to the safety guidelines and instructions issued by the Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command,” it said.
It said all Indian nationals should remain in close proximity to designated shelters and familiarise themselves with the nearest protected spaces in their area of residence or work.
“Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential and unnecessary travel within Israel until further notice. Citizens are encouraged to monitor local news, official announcements, and emergency alerts regularly,” it said. The mission also urged Indian nationals to contact the embassy in Tel Aviv in case of any emergency.
“The Embassy remains closely engaged with the relevant authorities and will continue to issue updates as necessary,” it said.
DGCA ADVISORY TO AIRLINES
Aviation watchdog DGCA on Saturday advised airlines to avoid airspaces of 11 countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, till March 2.
The countries are Iran, Israel, Lebanon, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar.
Many airspaces are already shut in the wake of the attacks on Iran by Israel and the US on Saturday. Indian airlines have suspended their services to the Middle East.
The advisory has been issued in alignment with international safety standards and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB), the regulator said.
The watchdog has asked airlines to refrain from operating within the 11 affected airspaces at all flight levels and altitudes.
Carriers have been asked to closely monitor all updated Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs) and Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by the affected countries and national authorities.
“This advisory is effective immediately and remains valid until March 02, 2026, unless reviewed or superseded by further developments,” DGCA said in the advisory.
UAE BOUND FLIGHTS FROM PUNE CANCELLED
Several UAE-bound flights from Pune airport were cancelled following the attack on Iran by the US and Israel on Saturday, airport officials said.
SpiceJet flight SG 51 to Dubai, scheduled to depart at 8:30 pm, as well as Air India Express flight IX 283 from Pune to Abu Dhabi, slated to depart at 9:05 pm, were cancelled, they said.
IndiGo flight 6E 1484/1483 operating on the Dubai-Pune-Dubai sector, scheduled to arrive at 10.30 pm on Saturday and depart at 12.30 am on Sunday also stood cancelled, the officials added.
Passengers have been duly informed by the respective airlines, they said. (PTI)
