India Urges Citizens to Leave Syria Amid Escalating Crisis

New Delhi has issued an urgent advisory for Indian nationals in Syria, citing the rapidly deteriorating situation in the war-torn country. The Government of India has asked citizens to avoid all travel to Syria until further notice and advised those already in the country to leave at the earliest opportunity via available commercial flights.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has appealed to Indian nationals to stay in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus for updates and assistance. For those unable to leave immediately, the advisory recommends minimizing movement and prioritizing safety.

Emergency Contact Details

The MEA has shared an emergency helpline number, +963 993385973, which is also accessible via WhatsApp. Additionally, an email ID, hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in, has been provided for urgent communication.

Why Is the Situation in Syria Worsening?

Syria faces a severe political and military crisis as the Bashar al-Assad regime, backed by Russia and Iran, battles against a coalition of Islamist-led rebel groups supported by Turkey.

In recent weeks, rebel forces have launched a swift offensive, capturing major cities such as Aleppo and Hama for the first time since the civil war began in 2011. The critical city of Homs is also at risk of falling, which would isolate Damascus from Syria’s Mediterranean stronghold, threatening the regime’s stability.

Key Players

• Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) alliance, has declared the overthrow of Assad as the primary goal of the rebellion. HTS has roots in Al-Qaeda but has recently attempted to moderate its public image.
• The offensive coincided with a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah, Assad’s allies.

Turkey, a key supporter of the rebels, has called for an emergency meeting with Russia and Iran in Qatar to address the crisis. Meanwhile, the HTS-led coalition has reportedly reached out to Russia and China, seeking diplomatic ties and support in their efforts against Assad’s regime.

International Reactions and Implications

The fate of Syria remains uncertain. Assad’s government, weakened after decades of civil war, faces its greatest challenge yet. The involvement of major global powers like Russia, Iran, and Turkey, combined with the volatile nature of the rebel coalition, adds layers of complexity to the situation.

The MEA’s advisory reflects India’s proactive approach to safeguarding its citizens amid the escalating conflict.