India has expressed deep concern over the Israeli airstrike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria, highlighting the potential for escalating tensions and further instability in the volatile West Asia region.

The strike, which occurred on Monday and targeted a building within the Iranian embassy complex in Damascus, resulted in the tragic loss of seven lives, including Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a prominent commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with two other generals.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We have noted with concern the attack on Iranian diplomatic premises in Syria on April 1, 2024.” He emphasized India’s distress regarding the escalating tensions in West Asia and urged all parties to refrain from actions that contravene international law’s accepted principles and norms.

India’s stance on the situation in West Asia is characterized by a call for a cessation of hostilities, particularly in Gaza, and a renewed focus on diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a two-state solution. The Indian government views West Asia as an integral part of its extended neighborhood and values its partnerships with key players in the region, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Despite initially expressing solidarity with Israel following terror attacks by Hamas in October, India has adopted a more nuanced approach in response to concerns raised by Arab states. The region’s significance to India, both in terms of energy supplies and the large Indian expatriate population, underscores the country’s interest in maintaining peace and stability in West Asia.

Sources By Agencies