Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the Indian government issued a travel advisory on Friday (April 12, 2024), urging its citizens to avoid traveling to Iran and Israel until further notice, citing the current situation in the region.
The advisory also instructed Indian residents in Iran or Israel to register themselves with the Indian Embassies and to take utmost precautions for their safety, minimizing their movements.
“All those who are currently residing in Iran or Israel are requested to get in touch with Indian Embassies there and register themselves,” the MEA advisory said. It also added, “They are also requested to observe utmost precautions about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum.”
This advisory comes at a time when many Indian workers have recently gone to or were planning to go to Israel. Following the October 7 attacks, Israel suspended the work permits of numerous Palestinians and Arab migrants, leading to a significant labor shortage that Indian workers are now filling.
India had previously expressed concern after an Israeli strike on the Iranian embassy in Damascus, warning that such actions could escalate violence and instability in the region, urging all parties to abide by international law.
The travel plans of around 6,000 Indian workers scheduled to arrive in Israel in April-May are now uncertain due to the advisory. Similarly, Iran hosts a sizable Indian community, particularly in Tehran, including an active Sikh community involved in commercial activities.
The tension between Iran and Israel escalated when suspected Israeli warplanes bombed Iran’s embassy in Damascus on April 1, resulting in casualties including senior Iranian commanders. While Israel did not claim responsibility for the attack, Iranian leaders vowed retaliation, raising concerns about further escalation.
In response to these developments, the US, French, Russian, British, and German governments issued travel advisories and urged restraint to prevent a wider conflict in the region. The situation remains tense as the world awaits Iran’s response, with concerns about potential reprisal attacks and the risk of further escalation, particularly with Israeli targets being a critical factor in determining the course of events.