India has called for prioritising the safety of nuclear facilities amid the intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel, citing serious risks to public health and the environment.

At a special meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna on Monday, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Shambhu S. Kumaran, said, “Ensuring the safety and security of nuclear facilities is a high priority, keeping in mind the possible consequences of such attacks.”

India expressed deep concern over the escalation in West Asia, including attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan following U.S. airstrikes. Ambassador Kumaran urged all parties to exercise “utmost restraint” to prevent further jeopardising nuclear infrastructure.

He also requested that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) provide regular updates on any damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities and radiation risks, and reaffirmed India’s willingness to extend “all possible support” in ensuring safety.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held calls with his Italian and French counterparts, denouncing the U.S. strikes as a breach of international law and the UN Charter. He emphasised Iran’s right to self-defence and urged the EU to respond clearly to what he called “aggression.”

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed concern over the escalation and urged a return to diplomacy, while French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also voiced regret over the strikes and denied any French involvement.

India’s statement adds to the growing international calls for de-escalation as the situation in the Middle East grows increasingly volatile, especially with nuclear infrastructure now at risk.