New Delhi| WTNS | April 14:India on Sunday expressed “serious concern” at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran and called for “immediate de-escalation”.

As per the reports of  Wilayat Times, Indian Government`s statement came within hours of Iran launching drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles on Israel. This followed a suspected Israeli strike on April 1 on an Iranian consular building in Syria’s Damascus that killed 12 people, including a senior general. Iran had vowed to avenge the strike.

The Ministry of External Affairs said on Sunday, “We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region.”

“We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy,” it said.

The MEA said, “We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our Embassies in the region are in close touch with Indian community.”

“It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region,” it said.

New Delhi on Friday issued a travel advisory in which it has asked Indians not to travel to Iran and Israel “in view of the prevailing situation in the region”.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran on Sunday issued additional helpline numbers for Indian citizens amid the rising conflict between Iran and Israel.