India has called for a peaceful and Syrian-led political process
India is monitoring the current situation in Syria, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday (December 9, 2024). In a statement, the MEA also stressed on the need for a peaceful and Syrian-led political process and called on all parties to preserve the country’s unity and territorial integrity.

The statement came even as rebel forces took over Syrian capital Damascus after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime on Sunday (December 8, 2024). Russian media reports said al-Assad had resigned as the country’s President and fled Syria for Russia.

“We are monitoring the situation in Syria in the light of on-going developments,” the MEA said.

“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 its statement.

The Indian Embassy in Syria continues to be operational and is in touch with the Indian nationals. “Our Embassy in Damascus is in contact with the Indian community, for their safety and security,” the MEA said.

The MEA had earlier advised Indian nationals to avoid travel to Syria until further notice. “In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification,” it said on Friday (December 6, 2024).

In its advisory, the MEA also asked those who could, to leave Syria by the earliest available commercial flight. Indian nationals who were unable to leave were requested to observe utmost caution and keep their movements to the minimum. “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 said.

Indians currently in Syria - the MEA put their number at about 90 - were requested to remain in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number +963 993385973 (also on the MEA WhatsApp) and email ID hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in for updates. 

Assad lost control of Syria after a stunning advance by rebel forces across several towns before reaching the outskirts of Damascus late on Saturday (December 7, 2024); they announced the takeover of the Syrian capital on Sunday.

Syria's biggest rebel faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, is now expected to chart Syria's future after a violent civil war that has been going on since the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011. India is among the growing list of countries to have called for a peaceful transition of power.