In a swift and coordinated operation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has evacuated 75 Indian nationals from Syria following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime by Islamist-led rebels. The evacuees, including 44 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir stranded at Saida Zainab, have safely crossed into Lebanon and are set to return to India via commercial flights.
“The Government of India today evacuated 75 Indian nationals from Syria, following recent developments in that country,” the MEA announced late Tuesday night. This evacuation underscores the government’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and security of its citizens abroad. The operation was facilitated by the Indian embassies in Damascus and Beirut, which worked closely to assess the rapidly deteriorating security situation.
The Ministry has also assured that it will continue to monitor the evolving circumstances in Syria. “Indian nationals remaining in Syria are advised to stay in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus,” the MEA stated, urging vigilance among those still in the country. At present, approximately 90 Indians remain in Syria, including 14 working with various United Nations organizations.
Rebel forces, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), captured Damascus in a lightning offensive on Sunday, ending the Assad family’s five-decade-long rule. Following the takeover, Russian state media reported that Bashar al-Assad has fled to Moscow, where he is expected to receive asylum.
The situation in Syria has escalated dramatically, prompting swift responses from governments worldwide. Indian authorities confirmed that they had been in close contact with their citizens in Syria throughout the crisis. Official sources in Delhi emphasized on Sunday that all Indians in Syria were safe, even as the rebels cemented their control over the capital.
The evacuees’ safe transfer to Lebanon is a testament to the efficiency of India’s diplomatic channels in handling crises. “The government accords the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad,” the MEA reiterated in its statement. This assurance comes as a relief to the families of those affected and highlights the government’s readiness to act decisively in volatile international scenarios.
The recent developments in Syria have drawn global attention, with the HTS-led coup marking a significant geopolitical shift in the region. For India, the immediate focus remains ensuring the safety of its nationals and offering assistance to those still in the conflict-ridden country.
The MEA’s efforts to protect Indian citizens amidst the chaos serve as a reminder of the critical role diplomacy plays in safeguarding national interests, even in distant and dangerous territories.