India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that it is closely monitoring the development in Syria and emphasizing the importance of all parties to work towards preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation.
In a statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged for a peaceful and inclusive political process in Syria, led by Syrians and respecting the interests and aspirations of all sections of Syrian society.
“We are monitoring the situation in Syria in the light of on-going developments. We underline the need for all parties to work towards preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. We advocate a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process respecting the interests and aspirations of all sections of Syrian society,” India’s MEA said in a staement.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said that India’s Embassy in Damascus is in touch with the Indian community to ensure their safety and security.
The situation in Syria has drawn global attention after Syrian rebels entered Damascus on Sunday, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee from the country and bringing an end to his more than two-decade-long rule in the country.
Russia has granted asylum to Bashar al-Assad and his family, TASS reported citing a Kremlin source. The source confirmed that Assad and his family have arrived in Moscow, with the decision to offer asylum based on “humanitarian considerations.”
Earlier on Sunday, the rebels annouced they had taken control of Syria’s third-largest city, Homs, to the north of the country. In a statement, the armed opposition stated, “The tyrant Bashar al-Assad has fled.”
As per CNN report, The rebels claimed to have entered the capital and seized control of the notorious Saydnaya Military Prison, located north of Damascus. The report also referenced a statement from the Military Operations Command’s on Telegram which said, “We declare the city of Damascus free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad.”
“To the displaced all over the world, a free Syria awaits you,”further added in a statement.
On December 6, the Indian government issued a travel advisory for Syria, urging Indian citizens to prevent all travel to the country until further notification.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said, “In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification.”
“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,” further added.
The civil war in the country that had remained quite for several years has resurfaced and in just a few weeks, the Syrian rebel groups seizing control of several key cities such as Aleppo, Homs and Daraa.