"Indian Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs, Periasamy Kumaran, said on Tuesday in New Delhi that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed deep concern over the rising tensions in Iran and the Gulf region. "He said we have urged all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians. He also said dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address the underlying issues," Kumaran stated. "In addition, you know, the broad discussions, the thrust of the discussions were about how we are all concerned about the escalating situation in Iran, how dialogue and diplomacy should be the norm to resolve all underlying issues, and how there should not be any targeting of civilians who have nothing to do with this," he added. Kumaran added that authorities are maintaining contact and offering support to Indian nationals currently in the region. It comes after Modi held talks with the Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed of the UAE. The United States and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on Saturday, with US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledging to 'destroy Iran's missiles.' Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, was killed during the attacks, prompting Tehran to declare 40 days of national mourning and a seven-day public holiday, with all government offices and schools closed as the country prepares for funeral rites. In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps announced conducting 'widespread missile and drone attacks' against Israel and targeted US bases in the UAE, Qatar, Iraq and Kuwait."