Indian Nationals Safe In War-Torn Syria, Embassy Remains Operational: Government Sources

The sources said that the Indian embassy is in touch with all the nationals, who are safe. They added that the embassy remains available to assist the citizens currently in Syria.

The Indian Embassy continues to operate in Syrian capital Damascus and is in touch with the Indian nationals residing in Syria, government sources told ABP LIVE on Sunday.

The sources said that the embassy is in touch with all the Indian nationals and added that they are safe. They further said that the embassy remains available to assist the citizens currently in Syria. 

The reactions comes as the Syrian opposition fighters earlier in the day said that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s more than 2-decade-old rule has come to an end after the rebels captured Damascus. According to official data, there are about 90 Indian nationals in Syria, including 14 who are working in various UN organisations.

The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Al-Assad has resigned and left Syria. There are no details on where has the Syrian President left for.

After capturing Damascus, the Syrian rebels declared victory on state television. There is a curfew declared in Damascus from 4 pm till 5 am. Meanwhile opposition leader Abu Mohammed al-Julani has said that all the state institutions will remain under the supervision of Al-Assad’s prime minister until they are officially handed over.

Earlier on Saturday, India had advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Syria and urged those staying in that country to exercise utmost precaution and restrict their movements. In an advisory, the Ministry of External Affairs had asked the Indians living in the violence-hit country to leave by the earliest available commercial flights if they can.

The MEA had urged the Indians residing in Syria to remain in touch with the Indian embassy in Damascus. "In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification," the MEA had said.

Indians currently in Syria are requested to remain in touch with the Indian embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number +963 993385973 (also on WhatsApp) and email ID hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in for updates, the MEA said.