‘Need for all parties to work towards preserving unity’: MEA issues statement on Syria | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Monday said that India is closely monitoring the situation in Syria and urged all parties to work towards preserving unity.
“We are monitoring the situation in Syria in the light of on-going developments. We underline the need for all parties to work towards preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. We advocate a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process respecting the interests and aspirations of all sections of Syrian society,” the MEA said in a statement.
“Our Embassy in Damascus is in contact with the Indian community, for their safety and security,” it added.

MEA’s statement comes in the backdrop of recent events where Syrian opposition forces captured Damascus, whilst President Bashar al-Assad sought refuge in Russia, ending both a 13-year civil conflict and his family’s five-decade authoritarian control.
The lightning advance of a militia alliance spearheaded by Hayat al-Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate, marked one of the biggest turning points for the Middle East in generations.
Russian media confirmed Assad and his family received asylum in Russia, with Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s ambassador to international organisations in Vienna, confirming this via his Telegram channel on Sunday.
Last week, the ministry of external affairs issued a travel advisory cautioning Indian citizens against travelling to Syria and recommending immediate departure for those currently present in the country.
“In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification,” it said in its advisory.
“Those who can, are advised to leave by the earliest available commercial flights and others are requested to observe utmost precaution about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum,” the MEA further added. Urging those currently in Syria to stay in contact with the Embassy, the MEA also issued helpline numbers for assistance.