Amid the ongoing conflict in Syria, India has successfully evacuated 77 Indian nationals from the war-torn country. This action comes as part of India’s ongoing efforts to protect its citizens caught in the violence of the region. The evacuation operation was carried out with the coordination of Indian embassies in Syria and Lebanon, as the government continues to monitor the situation closely.
MEA Coordinates Evacuation from Syri
During the weekly briefing on Friday (Dec 13, 2024) the MEA confirmed that 77 Indian nationals had been evacuated from Syria, with 44 of them being Indian pilgrims who had been stranded in the country. The remaining 33 evacuees were Indian nationals living or working in Syria. The evacuees were transported to Lebanon by road, where the Indian embassy facilitated the necessary immigration procedures for their safe return.
Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson for the MEA, explained that while these individuals had requested to return to India, many other Indian nationals remain in Syria, some of whom are settled there or engaged in work. “We are in touch with Indians living in Syria. If they wish to return, we will assist them,” Jaiswal said.
He added that the MEA is also keeping in regular contact with Indian nationals in other parts of the Middle East, including Lebanon and Israel. With around 3,000 Indians in Lebanon and 32,000 in Israel, the Ministry has issued advisories to ensure their safety but currently has no plans for further evacuations from these countries.
Minister Jaishankar Addresses the Situation in Parliament
In a statement to Parliament, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar acknowledged the government’s swift action in repatriating the stranded pilgrims from Syria. He expressed his appreciation for the recognition of India’s prompt response. “I am grateful to the honorary member for recognizing the efforts to bring back the Indian pilgrims safely from Syria to Lebanon,” Jaishankar said.
He further highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the welfare of its citizens in conflict zones. “Our embassies are in constant touch with Indian nationals in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. If there is any need for further evacuations, we are prepared to take necessary action,” Jaishankar assured.
The ICRC’s Role Amid Syria’s Humanitarian Crisis
As the Indian government works to repatriate its nationals, international organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) are providing critical humanitarian support in Syria. The ICRC has documented over 35,000 cases of missing persons in Syria since the start of the civil war, with many families desperately seeking answers about their loved ones.
Stephan Sakalian, the head of the ICRC’s Syria delegation, highlighted the ongoing suffering of families of the missing. “Behind every missing person is a family in excruciating pain, and the uncertainty only grows as time passes,” Sakalian said. He described a recent visit to Sednaya prison, where hundreds of people were gathered outside, hoping for news of their missing relatives.
The ICRC is working to preserve important records, such as arrest logs and hospital documents, which may provide vital information about the fate of the missing. “We are urging all parties in Syria to preserve these records to help families find answers,” Sakalian stated. The ICRC has also offered technical support to help preserve these documents and facilitate the identification of missing persons through professional forensic practices.
Ongoing Challenges in Syria
The situation in Syria remains unstable, with both internal and external pressures complicating efforts to restore peace. New Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir has prioritized the repatriation of refugees, but the country continues to face violence and political unrest. The recent fire at the tomb of Hafez al-Assad added to the uncertainty surrounding Syria’s political future.
For India, the challenge extends beyond evacuations. Many Indian nationals have been living and working in Syria for years, and their safety remains a priority. The Indian government continues to monitor the situation closely and is ready to take further action if necessary.
Bottomline
The evacuation of 77 Indian nationals from Syria is a significant part of India’s ongoing efforts to protect its citizens in the Middle East. While this operation focused on those who wished to return, the Ministry of External Affairs continues to maintain contact with other Indian nationals in Syria and across the region.
Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations like the ICRC are working to address the broader impact of the conflict, including the thousands of missing persons and the suffering of families in search of answers. As Syria’s humanitarian crisis deepens, both the Indian government and international organizations continue to respond to the urgent needs of those affected.