India Welcomes Iran-Israel Ceasefire, Reaffirms Call for Dialogue and Regional Stability

India on Tuesday welcomed the reported ceasefire between Iran and Israel following 12 days of intense hostilities but underscored its ongoing concerns over the broader implications for security and stability in West Asia.

The ceasefire reportedly took effect after Iranian state media confirmed the truce and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel had accepted a proposal put forward by US President Donald Trump.

Just hours before the ceasefire deadline, Iran had launched six waves of missile attacks targeting Israel, prompting Israeli forces to retaliate by destroying a radar facility near Tehran. Further escalation was halted following a phone conversation between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said:

“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.”

India has been closely monitoring the situation, including the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend and the subsequent Iranian missile attacks on American military bases in Qatar.

The MEA reiterated New Delhi’s longstanding position:

“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.”

India maintains strong bilateral relations with both Iran and Israel and had repeatedly urged both sides to exercise restraint after the conflict began with unilateral Israeli military strikes on June 13. The rising tensions were of particular concern to New Delhi, given West Asia’s importance as a major energy supplier and home to over nine million Indian expatriates.

In response to the deteriorating security environment, India evacuated nearly 3,200 nationals from Iran and Israel. According to official figures, around 10,000 Indians are currently based in Iran — many of them students — while over 32,000 live in Israel.

Amid the crisis, India distanced itself from a statement issued by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) that condemned Israeli actions, reflecting its desire to maintain a balanced position in the region.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday and expressed “deep concern” over the escalating conflict, urging a return to diplomacy to prevent further destabilization in the region.