We advocate peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process: India

The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that its embassy in Damascus is in contact with the Indian community.

“We are monitoring the situation in Syria in the light of the ongoing 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. Our Embassy in Damascus is in contact with the Indian community, for their safety and security,” the MEA said.

India’s friendly relations with Syria stood the test of time when the Syrian conflict broke out in 2011. Its stand of resolving the conflict in a non-military way and through an “inclusive Syrian-led political process” was viewed positively by the Assad regime. India maintained its embassy even during the peak of the crisis.

Monday’s statement is a continuity in the approach — “inclusive Syrian-led political process” —that has been maintained by New Delhi over the last 13 years of Syrian conflict.

On Sunday, as the events unfolded in Syria, sources in Delhi said its embassy remained operational in Damascus. “The embassy is in touch with all Indian nationals, and they are safe. The embassy remains available to assist Indian nationals in Syria,” said a source.

A day before, New Delhi issued a travel advisory and also urged Indians residing in Syria to remain in touch with the Indian embassy in Damascus. “In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria until further notification… 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.

On Friday, India had said it is closely following the situation in Syria and “taken note of the recent escalation in fighting in the north of the country”. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said there were nearly 90 Indian nationals in Syria, including 14 who were working with various UN organisations, and that the mission was in close contact with them “for their safety and security”.

India and Syria have enjoyed friendly political relations based on historic and civilizational links. India’s traditional support for Arab causes notably the Palestinian cause and for the return of the occupied Golan Heights to Syria is appreciated by the Syrians.

Assad too had maintained positive ties with India; he visited New Delhi in 2008. He had also taken a more nuanced stance on Jammu and Kashmir, and had always referred to the dispute as India’s internal affair. This ensured that successive Indian governments had a favourable attitude towards the Syrian government led by Assad. With his departure and the entry of the Islamist rebels — with links to Al Qaeda — New Delhi is cautious about the attitude of the new players in the regime.