India has expressed deep concern over the escalation of tension in the Middle East, with Israel hitting several targets in Iran on Friday.

India urged the two nations to avoid any further escalatory steps and to prioritise the path of dialogue.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said: "We are deeply concerned at the recent developments between Iran and Israel."

"We are closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites," the Ministry said.

"India urges both sides to avoid any escalatory steps. Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards a de-escalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues," the Ministry said.

MEA said India enjoys close and friendly relations with both the countries and stands ready to extend all possible support.

"Our Missions in both countries are in contact with the Indian community. All Indian nationals in the region are advised to exercise caution, stay safe and follow local security advisories," the Ministry said.

India Urges Its Nationals To Remain Vigilant

Meanwhile, the Indian embassy in Iran urged its nationals to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary movements.

"In view of the current situation in Iran, all Indian nationals & persons of Indian origin in Iran are requested to remain vigilant, avoid all unnecessary movements, follow the Embassy’s Social Media accounts & observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities," the Embassy said in an X post.

Middle-East Escalation

Israel on Friday said it conducted "preemptive" strikes on Iran, targeting its nuclear sites, further escalating tension in the region.

In an X post, IDF said: "𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐃𝐅 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞, 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈𝐫𝐚𝐧'𝐬 𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦."

"Dozens of IAF jets completed the first stage that included strikes on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran," IDF said.

IDF said Iran is inching closer to obtaining a nuclear weapon.

"Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the Iranian regime are an existential threat to the State of Israel and to the wider world," IDF said.

IDF said: "The State of Israel has no choice but to fulfill the obligation to act in defense of its citizens and will continue to do so everywhere it is required to do so, as we have done in the past."

Speaking on the strikes, Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on X: "This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat."