As tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, the Indian government has issued a travel advisory, cautioning its citizens against travelling to these nations until further notice. The advisory comes at a crucial time when numerous Indian workers have been heading to Israel to alleviate the country's labour shortages.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) advisory, issued on Friday, April 12, stated, "Given the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals are advised not to travel to Iran and Israel until further notice." It further requested those currently residing in these countries to exercise utmost precaution, restrict their movements to the minimum, and register with the respective Indian Embassies.
The escalation stems from a suspected Israeli airstrike on April 1 that targeted Iran's consulate in Damascus, Syria, killing seven Iranian military advisers, including three senior commanders. Among the deceased was Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a high-ranking officer in Iran's Quds Force, responsible for managing Iran's relationships with Lebanese Hezbollah, the Syrian government, and Palestinian militant groups.
In response, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed that Israel "must be punished," while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared readiness to meet all security needs, "both defensively and offensively."
The situation has prompted global calls for restraint to prevent further destabilization in the volatile region. The United States, France, Russia, Britain, and Germany have urged their citizens to exercise caution and avoid travel to the affected areas. The Kremlin spokesperson emphasized the importance of maintaining restraint to prevent a complete destabilization of the already precarious situation.
As the world braces for Iran's response, experts warn that any escalation could have devastating consequences. Tehran's retaliation could range from targeting Israeli interests in the region to striking within Israeli territory, potentially triggering a severe military confrontation.
The Indian government's advisory underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for its citizens to prioritize their safety until the tensions subside. As the international community closely monitors the developments, efforts are underway to prevent the conflict from spiralling out of control.
