NICOSIA/NEW DELHI | June 16, 2025, Amid escalating tensions in West Asia following the recent hostilities between Israel and Iran, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for restraint, dialogue, and a return to stability, stating that “a solution through dialogue is the call of humanity.”
Speaking during his official visit to Cyprus, Prime Minister Modi reiterated his well-known position that this is “not the era of war,” a sentiment he had first expressed in 2022 in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“We are deeply concerned about the growing instability in West Asia and Europe. The repercussions of these conflicts extend beyond regional borders. We believe that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable paths forward. The restoration of peace is a humanitarian imperative,” said Modi during a joint statement with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides.
This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades. The visit is part of a broader three-nation tour that will also take Modi to Canada for the G7 Summit and later to Croatia.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the highest civilian honour of Cyprus. Named after the country’s first President, Archbishop Makarios III, the award recognises contributions to public life and international cooperation.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III,” Modi said, dedicating the award to the 1.4 billion citizens of India and the enduring friendship between India and Cyprus. “I am confident that our active partnership will continue to flourish and contribute to a more peaceful and secure global order.”
Rising West Asia Conflict
Tensions between Israel and Iran have reached a critical point following a series of intense military escalations. Israel launched surprise strikes last week on what it claimed were military and nuclear targets within Iran, reportedly killing senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists.
Iran, in retaliation, launched a barrage of missile attacks into Israeli territory. The conflict has resulted in a mounting death toll on both sides. According to Iran’s health ministry, at least 224 people have been killed and over 1,200 injured in Israeli strikes since Friday. Iran’s counterattacks have left 24 dead in Israel, including several children, pushing the combined toll to over 248 fatalities and 1,580 injuries.
A senior U.S. official confirmed that President Donald Trump intervened in the crisis, urging Israeli authorities to abandon a reported plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an effort to prevent further escalation.
India Issues Advisory for Nationals in Conflict Zones
In response to the volatile situation, Indian embassies in Tel Aviv and Tehran have issued advisories for Indian nationals, urging them to remain vigilant and stay in contact with local missions.
The Indian Embassy in Israel stated on X (formerly Twitter), “We are in close touch with the Indian community across Israel, including caregivers, workers, students, and tourists. All necessary measures are being taken to ensure their safety.”
Similarly, the Indian Embassy in Iran advised all Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin to avoid non-essential travel, adhere to safety protocols issued by local authorities, and stay connected via the embassy’s official communication channels. The embassy also shared a Google form for registration and a dedicated Telegram channel for real-time updates.
India continues to monitor the situation closely, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to peace, stability, and the safety of its diaspora abroad.
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