India Advises Citizens To Avoid Travel To Iran, Israel Amidst Rising Tensions

New Delhi: The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has urged all Indian citizens to avoid travelling to Iran and Israel due to rising tensions in the region.

The advisory, issued on Friday, comes after Iran vowed retaliation for a recent Israeli airstrike on its consulate in Syria. The strike, which took place on April 1, killed a top Iranian general and several other military personnel.

The Centre has asked Indian nationals currently residing in Iran or Israel to contact their nearest Indian embassy and register themselves with the authorities. They are also advised to take strict precautions for their safety and limit unnecessary travel.

“In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indians are advised not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice,” the advisory read.

Travel advisory for Iran and Israel:https://t.co/OuHPVQfyVp pic.twitter.com/eDMRM771dC

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 12, 2024

The ministry elaborated, “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.”

This travel advisory follows a similar warning issued by the French foreign ministry earlier today. France advised its citizens against travel to Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and the Palestinian territories. Additionally, they announced the return of relatives of diplomats stationed in Iran and a ban on all non-essential missions by French civil servants in the region.

Meanwhile, the United States has taken diplomatic measures to de-escalate the situation. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly held calls with his counterparts in Turkey, China, and Saudi Arabia, urging them to press Iran to avoid further escalation.