India issues travel advisory for Syria, advises citizens to restrict movements
The Hindu
Indian government issues travel advisory for Syria, urging nationals to avoid travel due to escalating violence.
The Indian government on Friday (December 6, 2024) issued a travel advisory for Syria, strongly advising Indian nationals to avoid all travel to the country until further notice. This warning comes in light of the situation prevailing in Syria, which poses significant risks to travellers.
"In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release
Indians currently in Syria are requested to remain in touch with Indian Embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number (also on WhatsApp) and email ID hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in for updates. Those who can, are advised to leave by the earliest available commercial flights and others are requested to observe utmost precaution about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum, the MEA release added.
Notably, India took note of the violent escalation in Syria, keeping in mind the safety of Indian nationals there, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that there are around 90 Indian nationals in Syria, including 14 working in various UN organisations.
"We have taken note of the recent escalation in fighting in the north of Syria. We are closely following the situation. There are about 90 Indian nationals in Syria, including 14 who are working in various UN organizations. Our Mission remains in close contact with our nationals for their safety and security," Mr. Jaiswal said in a press briefing on Friday.
The violent offensive by Syrian rebels has reawakened a civil war that had been largely dormant for years, according to CNN.