India on Friday said it is closely monitoring the developments in Niger and urged the Indian nationals whose presence is not essential to leave the country immediately, news agency ANI reported. Following the coup, Niger has seen massive protests. Several European nations, including France, have begun evacuating nationals from Niger.
"Government of India is closely monitoring ongoing developments in Niger. In light of the prevailing situation, Indian nationals whose presence is not essential are advised to leave the country as soon as possible,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in his weekly media briefing.
"They may bear in mind that airspace is currently closed. When departing through land border, utmost precautions may be taken to ensure safety and security," he further said.
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Bagchi further cautioned those who are planning to travel to Niger in coming days and urged them to wait till the situation normalizes.
"Those who may be planning travel to Niger in the coming days are also similarly advised to reconsider their travel plans until the situation normalizes," he said.
Earlier this month, French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain stated that French planes had evacuated citizens from Niger. “Following the military coup in #Niger, France has evacuated 992 people from the country through several rotation flights over the past two days. In addition to 560 French citizens, the flights evacuated nationals from many other countries, including Indian citizens,” Lenain had tweeted.