'Israel needs to respond, but...': Jaishankar on Middle East crisis
What's the story
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has raised India's concerns about the potential for a regional conflict in West Asia, adding that any country's actions must comply with international humanitarian law.
Speaking at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in the United States, Jaishankar reiterated India's stance, labeling the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel as a "terrorist attack" and identifying it as the primary cause of the current tensions in the region.
Humanitarian appeal
Jaishankar calls for humanitarian efforts in Gaza
"We understand that Israel had a need to respond, but we also believe that any response by any country has to take into account international humanitarian law, that it must be careful about any damage or any implications for civilian populations," S Jaishankar said.
He also called for an international humanitarian effort in the Gaza Strip amid these escalating tensions.
Broader worries
India's concerns extend beyond Israel-Hamas-Lebanon-Iran tensions: Jaishankar
The EAM clarified that India's worries go beyond the current tensions between Israel, Hamas, Lebanon, and Iran.
He mentioned other conflicts in West Asia, including those involving the Houthis and the Red Sea.
"Not just what happened in Lebanon, but also...to some extent, everything that happens between Iran and Israel," Jaishankar added.
He underscored India's role in facilitating communication during these "difficult times."
Escalating conflict
Iran's missile attack on Israel escalates tensions
The situation in West Asia escalated when Iran fired at least 180 ballistic missiles toward Tel Aviv, Israel's capital.
This was in retaliation for Israel's killing of former Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and marked a significant escalation since Israel began its war on Gaza last October.
In response to Iran's attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised retaliation, stating "Iran made a big mistake tonight - and it will pay for it."
Diplomatic talks
PM Modi's conversation with Netanyahu amid rising tensions
Jaishankar's comments come on the heels of a recent chat between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart, Netanyahu.
During their talk, PM Modi emphasized that "terrorism has no place in our world."
This comes as tensions in the Middle East are escalating, bringing the region closer to a potential war.
Both Israel and the United States have vowed to hit back at Tehran for its actions.