India Evacuates 75 Citizens From Syria, Including 44 Kashmiris

MEA credits successful evacuation to coordinated efforts between Indian embassies in Damascus and Beirut.

Updated on: 11 December 2024 8:54 am

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

India Evacuates 75 Citizens From Syria, Including 44 Kashmiris | Photo- Social Media 'X'/ Milan Sharma

Amid escalating violence as Islamist rebels seized control of Damascus and President Bashar al-Assad fled the country, India has successfully evacuated 75 of its citizens from Syria, including 44 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir. Coordinated by the Indian embassies in Damascus and Beirut, the operation was carried out following a thorough assessment of the security situation, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

"The Government of India has evacuated 75 Indian nationals from Syria in light of recent developments in the country," the MEA said in a late-night statement.

Among the evacuees were 44 "zaireen" (pilgrims) from Jammu and Kashmir, who had been stranded in the Syrian town of Saida Zainab. All Indian nationals have safely crossed into Lebanon and will return to India via commercial flights, the MEA confirmed.

The ministry reiterated that the safety and security of Indian citizens abroad remain a top priority. "Indian nationals remaining in Syria are advised to stay in close contact with the Indian Embassy in Damascus," the statement said.

The MEA also emphasised its ongoing monitoring of the situation. It reaffirmed the country's commitment to a peaceful, Syrian-led political resolution. "The government continues to closely monitor the situation and advocates for a peaceful and inclusive political process in Syria," it added.

ALSO READ | 'Leave Immediately': MEA Issues Urgent Advisory To Indian Nationals In Syria

As the Assad regime fell, the MEA strongly advised Indian nationals earlier this week to avoid travel to Syria due to the escalating violence. A dedicated helpline has been set up for any citizens requiring assistance.

"In light of the current situation, Indian nationals are urged to refrain from traveling to Syria. Those already in Syria should stay in close contact with the Indian Embassy in Damascus through the emergency helpline at +963 993385973 (also available on WhatsApp) or by email at [email protected]," the MEA stated.

The ministry further advised Indian nationals still in Syria to leave at the earliest opportunity using available commercial flights. Those unable to depart were urged to exercise extreme caution, minimise movement and remain alert to potential risks.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a recent briefing provided an update on the situation. According to him, approximately 90 Indian nationals, who also include 14 working with United Nations organisations, are currently in Syria. "Our embassy is in constant communication with these nationals to ensure their safety and security," Jaiswal said.