India calls for immediate de-escalation in Middle-East; urges respect for sovereignty
DGCA advises airlines to avoid 11 airspaces amid Middle East conflict
New Delhi: As a joint attack by the US and Israel on Iran triggered a massive military confrontation in the Middle-East, India on Saturday urged all sides to exercise restraint and avoid escalation, asserting that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected.
In its first reaction to the fast-evolving situation in the region, New Delhi said it is “deeply concerned” over the developments in Iran and the Gulf region.
Following the attack by the United States and Israel, Iran launched retaliatory military strikes targeting several American military bases in the Middle-East, including in Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
“Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected,” it said.
The MEA said its missions in the Middle-East are in touch with Indian nationals and have issued appropriate advisories, asking them to remain vigilant and follow local security guidance.
Meanwhile, aviation watchdog DGCA advised airlines to avoid airspaces of 11 countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, till March 2.
The countries are Iran, Israel, Lebanon, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar.
Many airspaces are already shut in the wake of the attacks on Iran by Israel and the US on Saturday. Indian airlines have suspended their services to the Middle East.
The advisory has been issued in alignment with international safety standards and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB), the regulator said.
The watchdog has asked airlines to refrain from operating within the 11 affected airspaces at all flight levels and altitudes.
Carriers have been asked to closely monitor all updated Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs) and Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by the affected countries and national authorities.
“This advisory is effective immediately and remains valid until March 02, 2026, unless reviewed or superseded by further developments,” DGCA said in the advisory.
