The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday issued a travel advisory for Syria, strongly urging Indian nationals to avoid all travel to the country until further notice. The advisory follows escalating violence in Syria, which poses significant risks to travelers.
“In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria until further notification,” the MEA said in a statement.
Indian nationals currently in Syria are advised to stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Damascus via its emergency helpline number (also available on WhatsApp) or email at hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in for updates. Those able to leave are encouraged to take the earliest available commercial flights. Others are urged to exercise extreme caution, prioritize their safety, and minimize movement, the MEA added.
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that approximately 90 Indian nationals are currently in Syria, including 14 working with various UN organizations. “We are closely monitoring the recent escalation of fighting in northern Syria. Our mission remains in close contact with our nationals to ensure their safety and security,” Jaiswal said during a press briefing on Friday.
The renewed offensive by Syrian rebels has reignited a civil war that had been relatively dormant in recent years. According to CNN, the front lines had largely remained unchanged since 2020, with rebel groups primarily confined to parts of Idlib province. However, rebels recently captured the city of Hama on Thursday and advanced toward Homs, a strategic crossroads city. Its capture would split territories controlled by President Bashar al-Assad in two.
The civil war in Syria began in 2011, after the Assad regime cracked down on peaceful pro-democracy protests during the Arab Spring. Over 300,000 civilians have been killed, and millions have been displaced over more than a decade of conflict, according to the United Nations.