India on Saturday expressed “deep concern” over recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region, where blasts were reported in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other cities after Israel and the US launched joint airstrikes against Iran on Saturday.
Follow the latest updates on the attack in Dubai and Abu Dhabi here
“India is deeply concerned about recent developments in Iran and the Persian Gulf region. We call on all parties to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritize the safety of civilians. Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and resolve underlying issues. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected.
Our missions in the region are in contact with Indian nationals and have issued appropriate advisories asking them to remain vigilant, stay in touch with missions and follow local security guidelines,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
Earlier in the day, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi issued an advisory – urging all Indian nationals living in the city to remain vigilant.
India issues advisory for its citizens in Abu Dhabi
In this advisory, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi said, “In view of the current regional situation, all Indian nationals in the UAE are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, exercise due caution, remain vigilant, follow safety instructions and recommendations as and when issued by the UAE authorities and the Embassy.
“The Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai continue to operate as normal and will issue updates as required. Indian nationals in the UAE may contact the following numbers for any urgent queries.”
The Indian advisory comes hours after the US and Israel jointly launched “Operation Epic Fury” against Iran — targeting the capital Tehran, a girls’ school located in the southern part of the Islamic republic, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, President Pezeshkian and other Iranian officials — according to reports by AFP, Reuters and other agencies.
What is “Operation Epic Fury”?
Dubbed “Operation Epic Fury”, the massive US military strike comes days after US President Donald Trump gave Tehran 10 days to complete the nuclear deal and warned that “bad things” would happen if it did not comply with Washington’s demands.
This is followed by explosions in Dubai, other Middle Eastern centers
Following the US-Israeli strikes, several key Middle Eastern centers, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Manama, Doha, Riyadh and Amman, were rocked by several loud explosions.
One civilian was also reported dead in Abu Dhabi.
Amid rising tensions, operations at Dubai International Airport – the world’s busiest international travel hub – were suspended while air defense fire was seen above the country in the Persian Gulf.
