Israel-Iran conflict: In call with Netanyahu, Modi urges ‘early restoration’ of peace

Received a phone call from PM @netanyahu of Israel. He briefed me on the evolving situation. I shared India’s concerns and emphasized the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 13, 2025

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Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed “deep concern” after Israel’s early morning attack on Iran’s top military officers as well as its nuclear and missile sites. Iran, in its first response, fired more than 100 drones at Israel.

Urging both countries to avoid any escalation, the MEA said India is closely monitoring the situation and is ready to extend its support in resolving the conflict, calling for dialogue and diplomacy. “India enjoys close and friendly relations with both the countries and stands ready to extend all possible support,” an MEA statement said.

A spiralling conflict in West Asia could hurt India’s strategic interests and its economy. “Just this morning, as the news came in, the oil prices rose by 15 percent,” said Navdeep Suri, former Ambassador of India to the UAE and Egypt. He told The Indian Express that “instability can have a substantial impact on inflation and balance of payments for India”.

While Israel has an estimated 25,000 Indian citizens, including students, as many as 10,000 Indian nationals, including traders and other professionals, are currently in Iran. “Besides, there are about nine million Indians living in GCC countries, as the largest expat community, and they could be impacted adversely in case the conflict becomes wider,” said Suri.

Following Israel’s attack, the Indian embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv issued similar advisories to Indians in both countries to stay vigilant, avoid unnecessary movement and stay close to safety shelters.

“Our Missions in both countries are in contact with the Indian community. All Indian nationals in the region are advised to exercise caution, stay safe and follow local security advisories,” the MEA said.

Israel has warned of a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon, with Netanyahu stating that “Israeli citizens may have to remain in sheltered areas for lengthy periods of time”. The Israeli PM has said that his country has struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear programme, including its main enrichment facility in Natanz.

Suri said that if the conflict gets out of hand, Iran may block the Strait of Hormuz, the shipping channel from through which 60 percent of India’s energy supply passes — be it oil from the United Arab Emirates or Iraq, or gas from Qatar and Kuwait.

“It’s our neighbourhood and, ultimately, a stable Iran is in India’s interest,” Suri said, also noting India’s investment and interests in the Chabahar port project.