New Delhi: The Indian government has issued a strong travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid all travel to Syria due to the deteriorating security situation in the region.
“In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria until further notification,” stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a press release.
The advisory also called on Indians currently in Syria to maintain contact with the Indian Embassy in Damascus through its emergency helpline or email (hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in). Citizens are advised to leave the country on the earliest available commercial flights or, if unable, to exercise maximum caution and minimize movement.
Highlighting concerns over the safety of Indian nationals, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We have taken note of the recent escalation in fighting in the north of Syria. We are closely following the situation. There are about 90 Indian nationals in Syria, including 14 who are working in various UN organizations. Our Mission remains in close contact with our nationals for their safety and security.”
The Syrian conflict, which began in 2011 during the Arab Spring protests, has reignited with rebel forces launching fresh offensives. According to CNN, Syrian rebels captured Hama on Thursday and are now targeting Homs, a critical city linking territories controlled by President Bashar al-Assad.
Hundreds of civilians reportedly fled Homs overnight as fighting intensified. The capture of Homs could have significant strategic consequences, potentially splitting Assad-controlled areas in two.
Since 2020, frontlines in Syria had largely remained static. However, the recent violence marks a sharp escalation in the long-standing civil war. The conflict has claimed the lives of over 300,000 civilians and displaced millions across the region, according to United Nations reports.
The situation remains volatile, and the Indian government’s advisory reflects its concern for the safety of its nationals amid the ongoing turmoil.