India Urges Nationals To Exit Iran As US-Iran Ceasefire Takes Effect

Two-Week Truce Announced After Intense Diplomatic Push

India on Wednesday issued a fresh advisory for its nationals in Iran, strongly urging them to “expeditiously exit” the war-hit country even as the United States and Iran announced a conditional two-week ceasefire.

The Ministry of External Affairs advised Indian citizens to leave immediately, citing the unpredictable security situation. The advisory came shortly after US President Donald Trump announced a temporary halt to military strikes on Iran in exchange for Tehran reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Ceasefire Terms Announced By Trump

President Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, said he was willing to suspend bombings and attacks for two weeks if Iran immediately reopened the strait. Washington received a “10-point proposal” from Tehran, with most longstanding disputes already seeing broad agreement, Trump added.

Trump told AFP the United States had achieved a “total and complete victory” following the deal. He also noted that China played a role in bringing Iran to the negotiating table, ahead of his planned visit to Beijing in May.

Iran Confirms Safe Maritime Passage

Iran confirmed it would guarantee safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks, provided attacks are halted. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the arrangement would begin immediately and involve coordination with Iran’s armed forces.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council added that negotiations with the US are set to begin Friday in Islamabad and will last for two weeks, with the possibility of extension by mutual consent.

India Issues Strong Advisory For Citizens

India’s fresh advisory marked a significant escalation in its travel warning. New Delhi has been closely monitoring the conflict, which has disrupted global energy supplies and triggered volatility in financial markets.

The government has been in touch with Indian nationals in Iran through its embassy in Tehran. Officials indicated that contingency plans are being reviewed to ensure safe evacuation if the situation deteriorates further.

Israel Backs Ceasefire But Excludes Lebanon

In a statement Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel supports Trump’s decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks. However, the deal does not cover the war with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Netanyahu’s office said the ceasefire is subject to Iran immediately opening the Strait of Hormuz and stopping all attacks on the US, Israel and countries in the region. The statement said Israel also supports US efforts to ensure Iran no longer poses a nuclear or missile threat.

Global Reactions And Market Impact

Oil prices fell sharply following the announcement, with global benchmark Brent crude dropping about 13.6% to $94.50 a barrel. Indian benchmark indices soared, with the Sensex skyrocketing 2,700 points at opening.

The United Nations, European Union, and several countries including Germany, Japan, and Indonesia welcomed the truce. However, missile alerts continued in Israel and the UAE even after the announcement, indicating lingering tensions.

What Next For The Region

Negotiations are set to begin Friday in Islamabad, with Pakistan playing a key mediating role. The two-week window will be used to finalise and implement a broader deal.

Trump has said the United States “will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz” and that “big money will be made” as Iran can start its reconstruction process. The world now watches whether this temporary pause can lead to a lasting resolution in West Asia.

PM Modi Israel Visit 2026: Strategic Talks and Historic Address

The PM Modi Israel Visit 2026has begun with significant diplomatic and strategic importance. Prime Minister Narendra Modideparted for a two-day visit to Israel, marking his second trip to the country after his historic 2017 tour.

During this visit, Modi will become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset. However, his speech has sparked political controversy, as sections of the Israeli opposition have threatened to boycott the special parliamentary session.

The visit comes at a time of evolving geopolitical tensions in West Asia and ongoing negotiations over major India-Israel defence dealsand a proposed India-Israel FTA.

Opposition Boycott Over Knesset Address

The controversy surrounding Modi’s address stems from reports that Israel’s Chief Justice was not invited to the session. Opposition leader and former Prime Minister Yair Lapidhas urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuto intervene.

Lapid warned that excluding key institutions could result in a half-empty parliament during the address, potentially embarrassing India. Netanyahu, meanwhile, has described Modi as a “dear friend” and emphasized the importance of bilateral ties.

Major India-Israel Defence Deals in Focus

A central highlight of the PM Modi Israel Visit 2026is defence cooperation. Reports suggest that India may finalize deals worth up to $8.6 billion by 2026.

Key defence discussions include:

 Procurement of advanced Heron MK-2 MALE drones

 Precision-guided missile systems

 Possible technology sharing of Israel’s Iron Domeair defence system

Israeli officials have indicated openness to deeper defence collaboration, including manufacturing military equipment in India under joint ventures.

If finalized, these agreements could significantly boost India’s defence modernization and strengthen strategic autonomy.

Tribute at Yad Vashem and Presidential Talks

On February 26, Modi will visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, to pay tribute to six million Jews killed during Nazi rule under Adolf Hitler.

He will then meet Israeli President Isaac Herzogto discuss regional stability, West Asian tensions, and global security challenges.

India-Israel FTA Talks Gain Momentum

The visit coincides with the first round of negotiations for the India-Israel FTA, which began in New Delhi on February 23 and continues through February 26.

Trade between the two nations reached $3.62 billion in FY 2024–25. The FTA aims to:

 Boost trade in goods and services

 Simplify customs procedures

 Strengthen intellectual property protections

 Improve business confidence for MSMEs

Experts believe the agreement could unlock new opportunities in technology, agriculture, and innovation sectors.

Timing Raises Strategic Questions

The timing of the PM Modi Israel Visit 2026has raised questions within India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Shashi Tharoor.

Concerns were expressed over rising tensions between the United States and Iran in West Asia. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that security considerations are always factored into prime ministerial visits.

Why This Visit Matters Now

This visit reflects a major shift in India’s foreign policy. While India once opposed Israel’s creation in 1947 and voted against its UN membership in 1949, relations have dramatically evolved since full diplomatic ties were established in 1992.

Modi’s 2017 visit marked a turning point, and the PM Modi Israel Visit 2026further strengthens political, defence, and economic partnerships.

With defence modernization, FTA negotiations, and regional instability shaping the global landscape, this visit could redefine India-Israel strategic cooperation for the coming decade.

As Modi addresses the Knesset and engages in high-level defence and trade discussions, the outcomes of this visit may significantly influence India’s strategic positioning in West Asia and beyond.