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India Urges Citizens to Leave Syria Amid Escalating Tensions
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India has advised its citizens in Syria to leave the country immediately, following significant advances made by militants from the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). In an advisory issued on Saturday, the Ministry of External Affairs urged the approximately 90 Indians still in Syria to depart as soon as possible, using the earliest available commercial flights. The government also cautioned against travel to Syria, advising all Indian nationals to avoid visiting the country "until further notification."For those unable to leave, the ministry emphasized the importance of staying safe. "Indian nationals who are unable to leave should observe utmost precaution about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum," the advisory stated.
The Ministry urged Indian citizens currently in Syria to stay in contact with the Indian embassy in Damascus. They can reach out through the emergency helpline number +963 993385973 or via email at hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in for the latest updates.
This advisory comes in the wake of escalating violence in the region. On Friday, militants linked to HTS made significant advances, entering towns near Homs, Syria's third-largest city, and moving along a key highway towards the capital, Damascus. The militants had previously captured Homa city and, just a day before, took control of Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city. This marks the first time that both Aleppo and Homs have been under opposition control since the Syrian civil war began in 2011.
India is closely monitoring the situation, especially following the recent escalation in northern Syria. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal assured the public, saying, “Our embassy is in regular touch with our Indian nationals for their safety and security.” Russia, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has also instructed its citizens to leave Syria due to the growing security threat.
Syria was once home to a significant Indian community, though its numbers have dwindled due to the ongoing civil war. As of now, only 92 Indians remain in Syria, including 14 working with various UN organizations and NGOs, according to the Indian embassy’s website.
