New Delhi, June 15: The Indian National Congress (INC) on Sunday condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes and targeted assassinations carried out on Iranian soil, calling them a “dangerous” step that could worsen tensions in the region and globally.

In a post on X, Congress MP and the party’s General Secretary in-charge of Communications, Jairam Ramesh, expressed the party’s position on the growing conflict between Iran and Israel. Jairam Ramesh wrote, “The Indian National Congress unequivocally condemns Israel’s recent bombings and targeted assassinations on Iranian soil, which represent a dangerous escalation with grave regional and global consequences. This attack on Iran’s sovereignty and encroachment of its rights, whether through aerial strikes or covert killings, only deepens instability and sows the seeds of further conflict.”

Congress affirmed its belief in diplomacy, dialogue, and international cooperation as the legitimate paths ahead. “The Congress party firmly believes that diplomacy, dialogue, and international cooperation, and not violence, are the only legitimate and sustainable path forward. Hostilities must cease immediately. Continued military brinkmanship risks plunging an already fragile region into wider war, with catastrophic human and economic fallout,” the post read.

Noting India’s ties with both Iran and Israel, Congress said that it is India’s moral responsibility to act as a bridge for de-escalation and peace.

The X post said, “India has long-standing civilizational ties with Iran and, in recent decades, has developed strategic relations with Israel. This unique position gives our country the moral responsibility and the diplomatic leverage to act as a bridge for de-escalation and peace.”

Adding on to its call for peace between the two nations, Congress suggested that India should use diplomatic channels to promote a dialogue, as many Indian citizens live and work across West Asia.

“With lakhs of Indian citizens living and working across West Asia, peace in the region is a vital national interest apart from being a geopolitical concern. India must speak clearly, act responsibly, and use every diplomatic channel available to defuse tensions and promote a return to dialogue,” the post further read.

On Saturday, this comes after Jairam Ramesh took a jibe at the government over India distancing itself from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) statement on the Israel-Iran conflict, and asked if “we have been reduced to being an abject apologist for Israel”.

“What does this MEA statement really mean? It seems to suggest that Israel can attack Iran but that Iran should exercise restraint and not climb the escalatory ladder. Have we been reduced to being an abject apologist for Israel? We cannot even condemn Israel’s attacks on and targeted assassinations in Iran?” Ramesh asked on X, referring to the statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Earlier on Saturday, the MEA in a statement stated India did not participate in the discussions on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) statement on recent developments between Israel and Iran.

SCO, in its statement, condemned military strikes “carried out by Israel against Iran on June 13” and expressed serious concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Srinagar, June 15: Amid growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Iran, parents of Indian students currently studying in the country have issued an urgent appeal to the Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and the Government of India to facilitate the immediate and safe evacuation of their children.

According to the parents, all students have already registered with the Indian Embassy in Iran, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). However, the recent escalation and overnight blasts in the region have left the students traumatized and living in constant fear.

In their appeal, the parents expressed deep concern for their children’s safety and stressed that the situation remains manageable—if proactive steps are taken immediately. They urged the government to act swiftly, drawing parallels with previous evacuations during the Ukraine conflict and other global crises, where the Indian government’s timely intervention was widely appreciated.

“We sincerely hope that the Ministry will take this request on humanitarian grounds and initiate prompt and concrete steps to ensure the safety of our children before the situation worsens further,” the letter stated.

The appeal underscores the urgency of the matter and calls for immediate action from the concerned authorities in New Delhi.

New Delhi, June 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today departed for a three-nation tour to Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia, marking a significant diplomatic outreach aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and voicing the concerns of the Global South on the world stage. In a statement issued ahead of his departure, Prime Minister Modi said, “Today, I will embark on a three-nation tour to the Republic of Cyprus, Canada and Croatia.”

The first stop of the tour is Cyprus, where PM Modi will be on an official visit on June 15–16. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Mediterranean island nation in 23 years. Describing Cyprus as a “close friend and an important partner in the Mediterranean region and the EU,” the Prime Minister said the visit would offer an opportunity to “build upon the historical bonds and expand our ties in the areas of trade, investment, security, technology and promote people-to-people exchanges.”

Following his engagements in Cyprus, PM Modi will travel to Kananaskis, Canada, to attend the G7 Summit at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. India is participating as a partner country in the summit. “The Summit will provide space for exchange of views on pressing global issues and the priorities of the Global South,” PM Modi said, adding, “I also look forward to engaging with leaders from partner countries.”

In the final leg of the visit, the Prime Minister will travel to Croatia on June 18 for what will be the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Eastern European nation. During his stay, PM Modi is scheduled to meet with Croatian President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. “Both our countries enjoy centuries-old close cultural links,” he said. “As the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, it will open new avenues for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.”

Framing the larger purpose of the visit, PM Modi added, “This three-nation tour is also an opportunity to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in our fight against cross-border terrorism, and to galvanize global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”