India Issues Urgent Advisory Against Travel to Syria; Calls for Immediate Evacuation of Nationals

NEW DELHI: Syria is facing a fresh wave of violence with intense clashes between government forces, opposition groups, and terrorist factions like Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham. Key areas, including Aleppo and Idlib, are severely affected, leading to civilian casualties, displacement and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Airstrikes restricted humanitarian aid and growing instability have drawn international concern. The situation has disrupted essential services and sparked fears of broader regional implications, prompting countries like India to issue advisories for their citizens to avoid travel and take precautions if already in Syria.

Worried about the worsening situation in Syria, the Government of India issued a late-night advisory urging all Indian nationals to strictly "avoid all travel to Syria until further notice."

The advisory, which included an emergency helpline number and an email ID, called on all Indians currently in Syria to "stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Damascus."

New Delhi's urgent notification advised, "Those who can, are advised to leave (Syria) by the earliest available commercial flights." For those unable to leave, the advisory urged them to "observe utmost precaution about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum."

The emergency helpline number provided is for the Indian Embassy in Damascus: +963 993385973. This number is also accessible via WhatsApp, the statement noted. Additionally, an emergency email ID, hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in, was shared. The advisory stated that updates would be provided once the staff is contacted.

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