India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a warning to its citizens in Syria, urging them to leave the war-torn country immediately following recent escalations in violence. The advisory, released on Saturday, comes after significant territorial gains by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has intensified its offensive in northern Syria.
According to the MEA, approximately 90 Indian nationals are currently residing in Syria, many of whom are involved with United Nations organizations and NGOs. The ministry has advised them to depart at the earliest opportunity using available commercial flights. For those unable to leave, the advisory recommends exercising “utmost caution” and minimizing movement for safety reasons. Indian nationals are also urged to stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Damascus for updates and assistance. The embassy’s emergency helpline number, +963 993385973, and the email address hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in have been provided for support.
The situation in Syria has become increasingly dire as militants, led by HTS, have made significant advancements. On Friday, the militants captured towns near Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, and are advancing towards a critical highway leading to the capital, Damascus. Just the day before, the group seized the city of Homa, marking a dangerous escalation in the conflict. This marks a troubling turn for Syria, as both Aleppo and Homs are now under control of opposition forces for the first time since the civil war erupted in 2011.
Russia, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has also urged its nationals to leave the country in light of the rapidly deteriorating situation.
India’s embassy in Damascus is maintaining close communication with its citizens in Syria, constantly monitoring the safety and security of Indian nationals. As the violence continues to surge, the Indian government has reiterated its advisory to avoid travel to Syria until further notice.
Once home to a significant Indian community, Syria now hosts only about 92 Indian nationals, a stark reminder of the country’s enduring civil war and the shrinking size of the Indian diaspora in the region.
India’s move to issue such a warning underscores the urgency of the situation as militant activity and violence in Syria show no signs of abating.
Sources By Agencies
