In the first formal stand on the evolving West Asia crisis, India on Monday said dialogue and diplomacy were the way forward even as it called for an early cessation of hostilities between the coalition led by US-Israel and Iran.In a detailed statement today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) called for early cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.The imperative of dialogue was reiterated at the CCS meeting held late last night to review the situation in West Asia.The committee was briefed on the airstrikes in Iran on February 28 and the subsequent escalation, including attacks in several Gulf countries.”The CCS expressed its serious concern over the safety and security of the large Indian expatriate community in the region. The CCS also reviewed the difficulties faced by Indian travellers transiting the region and students appearing for scheduled examinations, as well as the broader implications for regional security and economic and commercial activities,” the official statement said.Also, the CCS has directed all departments concerned to take necessary and feasible measures to assist Indian nationals affected by the developments.”The CCS underscored the importance of an early cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy,” the statement said.Importantly, India continues to adopt a cautious approach to the escalating conflict, which has now engulfed several Gulf nations.Official sources pointed to the calibrated response the G-7 had taken on the issue. None of the countries in the bloc have condemned the US-Israel strikes in Iran or offered condolences on the death of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.In a joint statement, the leaders of France, Germany and the UK had on Saturday called upon Iran to end its nuclear programme, cease destabilising actions in the region and stop violence and repression of its people. Although the E3 countries did not support or criticise the US and Israeli action against Iran, they condemned Iran’s retaliation.EU President Ursula von der Leyen described the developments in the region as greatly concerning.She called on all parties to exercise restraint and respect international law.Canada, despite recent disagreements with US President Donald Trump on his tariff policies, supported the US action to prevent Iran from procuring a nuclear weapon. “Canada’s position remains clear: The Islamic Republic of Iran is the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East,” Canada said.Ongoing developments continue to be debated across the world, with the main opposition party at home — the Congress — condemning the US-Israel strikes and calling upon the government to help bring the hostilities to an immediate end.India for its part has chosen to walk cautiously, with the PM speaking to UAE President Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan late last night to condemn the attacks on the country and loss of lives there. Modi made calls to heads of other Gulf countries — King of Bahrain Hamad Isa Al Khalifa and Saudi Arabia Crown Prince and PM Mohammad Bin Salman.The PM condoled the attacks on both these countries and discussed the well-being of Indians there.