Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday communicated India’s apprehensions regarding the developments in West Asia to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and urged for the early re-establishment of peace in the region.
Modi-Netanyahu Call Highlights Regional Tensions
The external affairs ministry had previously reacted with deep concern as Israel had waged successive waves of air strikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets, and called on both nations to shun escalatory measures. The Indian side referred to its “close and friendly relations with both countries” and asserted that it was “prepared to provide all possible assistance” to Israel and Iran.
The evolving situation figured in a phone conversation between Modi and Netanyahu. “Received a phone call from PM @netanyahu of Israel. He briefed me on the evolving situation,” PM Modi said in a social media post.
“I shared India’s concerns and emphasised the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region,” he said.
Netanyahu Contacts Global Leaders Amid Crisis
The developing situation played a role in a telephone call between Modi and Netanyahu. “Received a telephonic call from PM @netanyahu of Israel. He updated me on the developing situation,” PM Modi tweeted.
Received a phone call from PM @netanyahu of Israel. He briefed me on the evolving situation. I shared India’s concerns and emphasized the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 13, 2025
Netanyahu also called US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to update them on the situation.
Indian Missions Advise Citizens to Stay Cautious
Indian missions in Tel Aviv and Tehran have instructed thousands of Indian nationals in both nations to be cautious and take safety precautions after the Israeli air raids.
The Israeli military launched at least two waves of airstrikes that hit targets in the cities of Tehran, Natanz, Tabriz, Isfahan, Arak and Kermanshah. Iran’s state media stated that some nuclear scientists and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander-in-chief Hossein Salami were among those killed in the Israeli airstrikes.
Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened that Israel “should await severe punishment” for committing the “crime” of bombing the nation and slaying a number of commanders and scientists.
India Appeals for Dialogue and De-escalation
“We are deeply concerned at the recent developments between Iran and Israel,” the external affairs ministry said in a statement.
“India urges both sides to avoid any escalatory steps. Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards a de-escalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues,” the statement said.
New Delhi is closely monitoring the evolving situation, including “reports related to attacks on nuclear sites”. Indian embassies in both countries are in contact with the Indian community, and all Indian nationals in the region were advised to “exercise caution, stay safe and follow local security advisories”.
Embassy Alerts Issued in Tehran and Tel Aviv
A social media post by the Indian embassy in Tehran said: “In view of the current situation in Iran, all Indian nationals & persons of Indian origin in Iran are requested to remain vigilant, avoid all unnecessary movements, follow the Embassy’s social media accounts & observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities.”
Another tweet by the Indian embassy in Tel Aviv mentioned that “all Indian nationals in Israel are requested to remain alert and follow the safety guidelines as directed by the Israeli authorities and home front command (oref.org.il/eng)” due to the current situation in the area.
“Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within [Israel] and stay close to safety shelters,” the advisory said.
Indian Diaspora Presence in Iran and Israel lead by Netanyahu
There are over 4,000 Indians, who are primarily students, teachers and small traders, residing in Iran at present. They are primarily based in Tehran and some other cities.
The Indian population in Israel has increased to over 32,000 in recent months following Israeli authorities’ decision to hire more Indian blue-collar laborers to substitute Palestinians in services like nursing and construction. Indians residing in Israel are dispersed in all parts of the nation.
No Immediate Plans for Indian Evacuation
Individuals close to the issue said there were no prompt intentions to repatriate Indian citizens from both nations. The case is followed very closely and everything is being done to ascertain the safety of Indian citizens, they added.
The size and extent of Friday’s Israeli airstrikes was far larger than retaliatory attacks conducted in 2024. In April 2024, Iran struck Israel with missiles and drones following the bombing of the Iranian embassy in Damascus. This was followed by a second round of attacks last October, following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah by Israel. Israel struck back both times by hitting Iranian infrastructure and military bases.
