India concerned over broadening Middle East conflict: EAM Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Oct 1 that India is very concerned at the possibility of broadening the conflict in the Middle East and asserted that any response by any country has to take into account international humanitarian law.

Speaking at the Carnegie Endowment in the United States, Jaishankar reiterated India's stance and described the Oct 7 Hamas attack on Israel as a “terrorist attack".

Expressing concern over the ongoing conflict, the external affairs minister said that countries involved in the conflict must be careful about any damage or implications for civilian populations.

"We regard Oct 7 as a terrorist attack. We understand that Israel needed to respond, but we also believe that any response by any country has to take into account international humanitarian law,” Jaishankar said. “It must be careful about any damage or implications for civilian populations. It is important to have some kind of international humanitarian effort," he added.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy on Oct 2 advised its citizens to remain vigilant in the wake of a missile attack by Iran on Israel and follow safety protocols as instructed by local authorities.

The External Affairs Minister said India is not only concerned over the escalating conflict, not just what happened in Lebanon, but also to the Houthis and the Red Sea, and to anything that happens between Iran and Israel.

“Don't underestimate the importance of communication in difficult times. If there are things to be said and passed on and back, I think those are all contributions that we can make, and we do," Jaishankar said.

His remarks come days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
After his meeting with Israel's Netanyahu, PM Modi said "Terrorism has no place in our world".

“It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and stability," PM Modi said in a post on X.

In the wake of a missile attack on Israel, the Indian embassy has advised its citizens to exercise caution.

"Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country, and stay near safety shelters. The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and is in regular contact with Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all our nationals," the embassy stated in its advisory.

"In case of any emergency, please contact the 24/7 helpline of the Embassy:Telephone: +972-547520711B. +972-543278392 Email: [email protected]. Those Indian nationals who have yet to register with the Embassy are requested to do so at the following link: https://forms.gle/ftp3DEXgJwH8XVRdA," the Indian Embassy posted on X.