External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India considers Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7 last year a "terrorist attack." He added that India is “very much concerned” about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Jaishankar also mentioned that Israel had to respond, but emphasised that any country's actions must adhere to international humanitarian law.

During conversation at the Carnegie Endowment Washington, the minister said, “If one looks at the current situation, I think it would be right to start with October 7. We regard October 7 as a terrorist attack. We understand that Israel needed to respond, but we also believe that any response by any country has to take into account international humanitarian law and that it must be careful about any damage or implications for civilian populations.”

Jaishankar further added, “It is important to have some kind of international humanitarian effort. We are concerned at the possibility of a broadening of the conflict, not just what happened in Lebanon, but also to the Houthis and the Red Sea, and to anything that happens between Iran and Israel.”

He also highlighted the importance of dialogue during such crucial times as he stated, “Don’t underestimate the importance of communication in difficult times. If there are things to be said and passed on and back, I think those are all contributions that we can make, and we do.” However, this remark from him came hours before Iran fired missiles into Israel later the same evening.

Israel initiated a counteroffensive against Hamas in October of last year following hundreds of terrorists' incursions into Israeli territory, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the kidnapping of over 250 hostages, of whom 100 are still detained. Interestingly, India has always voiced its concerns about the worsening conditions in Gaza and supported a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

At least 180 missiles were fired into Israel by Iran on Tuesday night, marking the most recent in a year-long battle between Israel and Iran and its Arab allies that has the potential to escalate into a regional war. Residents of Israel hurried into bomb shelters as air raid sirens sounded and missiles streaked across the night sky, their orange glow illuminating the area. Israel promised to strike back at Iran for its barrage, claiming that it had only resulted in minor injuries, according to The Associated Press.

Prior to Iran's attack, Israel had dealt the Lebanon-based leadership of Hezbollah a number of devastating blows in recent weeks. The militant group, backed by Iran, has been firing rockets into Israel since the start of the Gaza war. It then launched what it claimed to be a limited ground incursion in southern Lebanon, increasing the pressure on them.