India has urged its citizens to not travel to Israel and Iran in the backdrop of escalating military tensions between the two West Asian rivals. The advisory came after the April 1 Israeli strike on the Iranian embassy in Syrian capital Damascus that killed several top Iranian commanders. Iran swore vengeance after that attack.
“In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indians are advised not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice. All those who are currently residing in Iran or Israel are requested to get in touch with Indian Embassies there and register themselves. They are also requested to observe utmost precautions about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum,” an advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs stated on Friday.
India had earlier expressed “distress” after the Israeli strike in the Iranian embassy in Damascus and had said the incident had the potential to “fuel further violence and instability” in the region. “We urge all parties to avoid actions that go against commonly accepted principles and norms of International Law,” the Official Spokesperson had said then.
There are at least 18,000 Indians residing in Israel and another 6,000 workers under a Government to Government agreement were expected to reach Israel during April-May. However the travel plans of these new workers now appear uncertain because of Friday’s advisory. Similarly, there is a historic Indian community in Iran many of whom reside in Tehran which also boasts of an old Sikh community that has been active in commercial arena.
