Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed “deep concern at the recent escalations” in a conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, referring to rising tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, as per a report by the Economic Times.
Modi reiterated India’s longstanding position calling for “immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy” between the parties involved to prevent further destabilisation in the region.
The diplomatic outreach came shortly after US President Donald Trump declared that American forces had “obliterated” three of Iran’s nuclear sites in a surprise overnight airstrike. In response, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi accused the US of violating international law and warned that Tehran “reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people.”
India’s major Leftist political parties – CPI, CPI(M), CPI-ML, AIFB, and RSP – released a joint statement denouncing the US-led bombing of Iran. “This is a grave violation of Iranian sovereignty and the UN Charter. Such actions will inflame global tensions, destabilise West Asia, and create severe economic consequences,” the statement said. They also criticised the justification given by the US and Israel that Iran was allegedly nearing nuclear weapon development.
Earlier this month, India drew criticism for distancing itself from a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) statement that condemned Israeli strikes on Iran. Critics argue that this marks a shift from India’s traditional foreign policy, which emphasized adherence to international law and multilateral diplomacy.
Russia called the US strikes a “flagrant breach of international law,” stating, “This act of aggression violates the Charter of the United Nations and Security Council resolutions.”
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the attacks via social media, while Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno expressed alarm at the escalating situation. “Only diplomacy, not military action, will bring peace and stability to the Middle East,” he said.
Turkiye also issued a stern warning about the repercussions of the US assault. In a statement via the Anadolu news agency, the Turkish Foreign Ministry emphasized that negotiations are the only viable solution to the nuclear dispute and urged all parties to act with responsibility and restraint.
In retaliation, Iran launched 40 missiles targeting Israeli sites. At least 27 people were reported injured in Israel, including in Tel Aviv’s Ramat Aviv area, where several buildings sustained damage.
