India urges restraint after Iran-US strikes

India urged restraint Wednesday after renewed fighting between the United States and Iran and fresh targeting of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

India's Ministry of External Affairs said the attacks risked undermining regional peace, security and stability. It called on all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, protect civilians and ensure the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies and commerce.

The ministry also urged a return to dialogue and diplomacy for what it called a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict.

The statement came after both sides reported hitting dozens of targets in a new escalation that has placed further strain on an interim deal aimed at ending the war.

India imports a significant share of its crude oil through routes linked to West Asia and has repeatedly called for stability in the region and the protection of maritime trade routes important to global energy supplies.