India has welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, expressing relief after 12 days of escalating hostilities in West Asia, while underlining the urgent need for lasting regional stability and diplomatic engagement.
New Delhi reiterated its longstanding stance favouring dialogue and diplomacy, even as it monitored closely the unfolding conflict, which saw the United States strike Iranian nuclear facilities and Tehran retaliate with missile attacks on both Israel and American military bases in Qatar.
“While we remain deeply concerned about the prospects for overall and sustained regional security and stability, we welcome reports of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel and the role played by the US and Qatar in bringing it about,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement issued on Tuesday evening.
The ceasefire, reportedly brokered by US President Donald Trump, came into effect after days of high-intensity exchanges. Iran launched multiple missile barrages targeting Israeli military installations, while Israel responded by bombing a radar facility near Tehran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later stated that Israel had accepted the ceasefire proposed by Trump.
Iranian state media had first confirmed the commencement of the truce, and Tehran declared the end of hostilities a “great victory”.
Also read: Iran confirms ceasefire with Israel
India, which maintains strong bilateral ties with both Iran and Israel, had earlier expressed concern over the sudden outbreak of war following Israeli strikes on 13 June. The MEA said: “We wish to reiterate that there is no alternative to dialogue and diplomacy in order to address and resolve the multiple conflicts in the region.”
“India stands ready to play its part in these efforts and hopes that all concerned parties will work towards sustained peace and stability,” it added.
The conflict had significant implications for India, given its energy dependence on the Gulf and the presence of over nine million Indian expatriates across West Asia. Till Tuesday, nearly 3,200 Indian nationals had been safely evacuated from both Iran and Israel. Officials said around 10,000 Indians reside in Iran—many of them students—and more than 32,000 in Israel.
Amid the flare-up, India chose to distance itself from a statement issued by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which condemned Israel’s strikes. India’s independent approach reflected its diplomatic balancing act between strategic partners in the region.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the conflict. The call took place on Sunday and was focused on the deteriorating situation in West Asia. “Prime Minister Modi expressed deep concern at the escalation of hostilities and called for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability in West Asia,” said an official familiar with the exchange.
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