The Wire Staff 
New Delhi: India has expressed deep concern at “evolving escalation” in West Asia and what it means for peace in the region and beyond, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement, several hours after Israel said it had conducted ajrstrikes on Iran.
Iran’s military has now said that four of its soldiers had been killed by the Israeli strikes overnight, adding that damage to military installations was “limited” thanks to the “timely performance of the country’s air defences.”
India has repeated the call to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue. The MEA noted that its missions in West Asia are also in contact with the Indian community.
“We are deeply concerned by the evolving escalation in West Asia and its ramifications for peace and stability in the region and beyond. We reiterate our call to all concerned to exercise restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. The ongoing hostilities are to nobody’s benefit, even as innocent hostages and civilian populations continue to suffer. Our Missions in the region are in contact with the Indian community.”
The US too has joined other nations in urging “de-escalation” in the widening conflict.