Kathmandu. India’s two largest private airlines — IndiGo and Air India — have suspended flights to all destinations in the Middle East after Israel and the United States attacked Iran.

“In light of the increasing number of attacks in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to destinations in the Middle East have been suspended,” Air India said in a statement on social media X.

IndiGo has also said that it is temporarily suspending flights to ensure the safety of its customers and cabin crew.

While other Gulf states are home to millions of Indian immigrants, New Delhi has historically balanced its relations with Israel.

The region is also a vital source of energy for the world’s fastest-growing major economy.

The attack in Iran came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned home from a historic visit to Israel, where both sides agreed to strengthen trade and defence ties.

Prime Minister Modi, in his address to Israeli lawmakers, said New Delhi stands “resolutely” with Israel after the deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.