New Delhi: India has issued a fresh travel and safety advisory for its citizens currently in Israel, urging them to remain vigilant and strictly follow local security instructions as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate. The advisory, released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), also cautioned Indian nationals against undertaking non-essential travel to Israel until the situation stabilises.

“In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals currently in Israel are advised to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to the safety guidelines and protocols issued by the Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command,” the MEA said in its advisory issued late on Wednesday.

The government further advised Indians to avoid all non-essential travel to Israel, underlining the fluid and unpredictable nature of the security situation. For emergencies, the Indian Embassy in Israel has activated round-the-clock helpline numbers to assist citizens in distress. Indian nationals can contact the embassy at +972-54-7520711 or +972-54-3278392, the advisory said.

The warning comes amid heightened regional uncertainty, driven by developments involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Iran has been witnessing widespread protests, and the situation has drawn international attention, with the US not ruling out possible interference or military action. In response, Tehran has issued strong warnings, stating that US military bases across the region would be considered legitimate targets if Iran were attacked.

These developments have raised concerns across the Middle East, particularly in Israel, which has long been a regional rival of Iran. Security alerts have reportedly increased in several parts of the country, with authorities taking precautionary measures in anticipation of potential escalation.

According to local media reports, several areas in southern and central Israel have ordered the opening of public bomb shelters as a precautionary step. Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency reported that the mayor of Dimona, a city in southern Israel, instructed authorities to open shelters across the city, stressing the need for preparedness. “It is better to be prepared than surprised,” the mayor was quoted as saying.

The opening of shelters and heightened security protocols underscore the seriousness with which Israeli authorities are viewing the evolving situation. While there has been no official confirmation of direct threats to specific locations, the broader regional tensions have prompted governments to take preventive action.

India’s advisory reflects a cautious approach aimed at ensuring the safety of its nationals abroad, particularly in regions experiencing political instability or security challenges. Thousands of Indians live and work in Israel, including caregivers, construction workers, students, professionals, and businesspersons, many of whom are employed under bilateral labour agreements between the two countries.

The advisory for Israel comes even as India is preparing for potential evacuation efforts in Iran, where the security situation has become increasingly volatile due to ongoing protests. On Wednesday, the Indian Embassy in Tehran issued a separate advisory urging Indian nationals in Iran to leave the country using available means of transport, including commercial flights.

“In view of the evolving situation in Iran, all Indian nationals currently in Iran – including students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists – are advised to leave Iran by available means,” the embassy said in its notice. The embassy also reiterated its earlier guidance that Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in Iran should exercise extreme caution and avoid areas where protests or demonstrations are taking place.

Indian nationals in Iran have been asked to remain in close contact with the Indian Embassy and to closely monitor local news and official advisories for updates. The embassy has also advised citizens to share their contact details and travel plans to facilitate assistance if the situation deteriorates further.

According to official estimates, more than 10,000 Indians are currently living in Iran, including a significant number of students enrolled in medical and other professional courses, as well as pilgrims visiting religious sites. The Indian government has, in the past, conducted large-scale evacuation operations in crisis-hit regions, including during conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, and Afghanistan, and officials have indicated that contingency plans are being reviewed as a precaution.

The twin advisories for Israel and Iran highlight the broader challenges posed by instability in the Middle East and India’s effort to proactively safeguard its diaspora. The MEA has consistently emphasised that the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad remains a top priority and that embassies are in constant touch with host governments to assess risks and provide support.

While the advisory for Israel does not call for evacuation at this stage, it signals heightened concern and urges citizens to limit movement, stay alert, and follow official instructions. Such advisories are typically reviewed regularly and may be updated depending on how the situation on the ground evolves.

For now, Indian authorities have advised calm but caution, urging citizens to stay informed, avoid unnecessary travel, and rely on official communication channels for guidance. As regional tensions remain high, further advisories or measures may follow if the security environment changes significantly.