75 Indians evacuated as Syria faces turmoil after Assad’s fall
India evacuated 75 citizens from conflict-hit Syria on Tuesday, two days after rebel forces ousted President Bashar al-Assad’s government. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) coordinated the operation through Indian embassies in Damascus and Beirut, ensuring a safe passage to Lebanon. The evacuees will return to India on commercial flights.
The MEA stated that the group included 44 ‘zaireen’ pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir stranded in Saida Zainab. “All Indian nationals have safely crossed into Lebanon and will return soon,” the statement read. It also advised Indians still in Syria to remain in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus for updates.
Syria plunged into chaos after rebel forces captured Damascus, toppling Assad’s authoritarian regime. The rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), seized key cities before taking the capital. Assad fled to Russia, seeking asylum, ending his family’s five-decade rule. His nearly 14 years in power saw civil war, bloodshed, and suppression of dissent.
The MEA reaffirmed India’s commitment to the safety of its nationals abroad and pledged to monitor Syria’s evolving situation. It also urged a peaceful, inclusive political process led by Syrians.
This evacuation underscores India’s swift response to safeguard its citizens amidst a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
