Several hundred Irish nationals in India and Pakistan have been advised to consider leaving the countries amid fears of a potential nuclear conflict.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has also advised against all travel to the states due to ongoing tensions over the disputed region of Kashmir.
The Department said the situation in the two nuclear-armed neighbouring countries "continues to give rise to serious concern. Tensions between the two countries remain high, and the risk of conflict in the region has not diminished.
"In view of this, the Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to India and Pakistan for the time being. Irish citizens are advised to consider leaving."
Irish embassy and consular staff in both countries are currently contacting by phone registered nationals to ask them about their intentions and offer up-to-date advice, a Department spokeswoman said last night.
She said the embassy in New Delhi was aware of about 235 Irish nationals in India, including some 80 people aligned to religious orders. Officials hope to have contacted all these people by tomorrow, she said. There are approximately 80 Irish people in Pakistan, mostly members of religious orders, the spokeswoman added. There is no Irish embassy in Pakistan, but an honorary consul is based in Karachi.
She said officials would continue to monitor the situation and change their advice if needs be. The embassy in New Delhi and the consulate in Karachi had been receiving calls seeking advice in recent days.