New Delhi [India]: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed concern over the escalating violence in Syria and political unrest in South Korea, emphasizing that Indian missions in both countries are closely monitoring the situation for the safety of Indian nationals.
Situation in Syria
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India is closely tracking the violent escalation in northern Syria, which has reignited a civil war that had largely remained dormant in recent years. As of now, there are about 90 Indian nationals in Syria, including 14 employed by various United Nations organizations. Jaiswal assured that the Indian Mission in Syria is in regular contact with these nationals to ensure their safety.
The renewed conflict in Syria has led to hundreds of people fleeing from the city of Homs, as anti-regime rebels advance toward Damascus, according to reports. The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has led to over 300,000 civilian deaths and displaced millions.
Political Unrest in South Korea
Regarding the ongoing political turmoil in South Korea, Jaiswal expressed India’s concern for the situation while underscoring the strong defense, trade, and people-to-people ties between the two countries. He emphasized that India is monitoring developments carefully, particularly the safety of Indian nationals in South Korea.
The crisis in South Korea intensified after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday, citing threats from “anti-state forces” and North Korean sympathizers. However, the decision was reversed within hours following massive public backlash and a vote in the National Assembly. President Yoon, currently facing impeachment proceedings for treason, is under investigation along with other high-ranking officials.
Jaiswal reiterated that India hopes the situation in South Korea would stabilize soon.
India-China Border Situation
On the ongoing border tensions with China, Jaiswal highlighted that both External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had already addressed the status of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). He confirmed that the situation in Eastern Ladakh had been restored, and patrolling arrangements had resumed. India and China recently held their 32nd meeting under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC), where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the disengagement agreement.
This renewed border engagement follows the strained India-China relations after the 2020 standoff in Ladakh. The two countries are working towards maintaining peace and tranquility along the LAC based on bilateral agreements and protocols.