Israel-Iran Conflict Highlights: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said he spoke with his Iranian and Israeli counterparts and discussed the situation in West Asia. His telephonic conversation with the two leaders came almost 24 hours after Iran attacked Israel.
During his call with Iran Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Mr Jaishankar also discussed the release of 17 Indian crew members on a cargo ship seized by the Iranian military on Saturday.
"Spoke to Iranian FM. Took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries. Discussed the current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy. Agreed to remain in touch," Mr Jaishankar said on X.
In a separate post, he said, "Just concluded a conversation with Israel FM Israel Katz. Shared our concern at the developments yesterday. Discussed the larger regional situation. Agreed to stay in touch."
Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel in an unprecedented attack late Saturday in a major escalation of the long-running covert war between the regional foes.
The Israeli military said that 99 percent of the launches had been intercepted. While 170 drones and 30 cruise missiles were shot down before they reached Israel, a few of the 110 ballistic missiles did get through, injuring 12 people.
Iran had repeatedly threatened to retaliate against Israel for a deadly April 1 air strike on its consulate building in Damascus.