New Delhi, India - External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in urgent talks with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron on Saturday to address the rapidly escalating situation in West Asia.
Tensions between Israel and Iran have reached a fever pitch following Iran's seizure of an Israeli-linked cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz. The ship carries a crew of 17 Indian nationals.
This diplomatic conversation follows heightened fears that Iran could soon retaliate against Israel for a recent strike on an Iranian consulate in Syria, an attack for which Iran holds Israel responsible.
"Iran will bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further,” warned Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari.
US President Joe Biden issued a strong caution to Iran against any attacks on Israel, stating, "We are devoted to the defense of Israel. We will support Israel. We will defend — help defend Israel. And Iran will not succeed."
In light of the volatile situation, India has officially advised its citizens to avoid all travel to Israel and Iran until further notice.