Stop violence,engage in talks: India to Egypt

With violence engulfing large parts of Egypt and the number of casualties rising,India Friday refused to comment extensively on the issue,merely asking that all sides “abjure violence” and “exercise restraint”.

So far,no Indian national has been a victim of the violence. The Indian community there is mostly affluent and prepared to deal with emergencies. There are about 3,000 Indians in Egypt,most of whom are businessmen or employed in the 50-odd Indian companies there or working in Egypt companies.

In response to a query from The Indian Express,MEA official spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said,“We have been following the recent developments in Egypt with concern,particularly the tragic loss of a large number of lives in Cairo and other cities. We urge all sides to abjure violence,exercise maximum restraint and engage in an earnest dialogue that will promote national reconciliation and permit an early transition towards a stable and peaceful democratic set-up.