India calls for unity and sovereignty amid chaos in Syria

New Delhi has expressed deep concern over the ongoing turmoil in Syria following the rapid advance of rebel forces into Damascus, which has forced President Bashar al-Assad to flee the country. In a statement released on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized the need to preserve Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

“We advocate a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process that respects the interests and aspirations of all sections of Syrian society,” the statement read. The Indian embassy in Damascus remains in contact with the Indian community in Syria, ensuring their safety amid escalating tensions.

Last week, the Indian government issued a high-priority advisory urging its citizens to avoid travel to Syria until further notice. Those already in the country have been asked to leave on the earliest available flights as the security situation continues to deteriorate.

The chaos in Syria reached a boiling point after Islamist-led rebel factions, spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), captured key areas of Damascus over the past two weeks. On Sunday, President Bashar al-Assad reportedly fled the country, with unverified reports suggesting he is now in Moscow.

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the leader of HTS, declared a "historic" victory from the iconic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. Using his real name, Ahmed al-Sharaa, he proclaimed Syria’s “purification” and attributed the triumph to mujahideen fighters. HTS, which originated as the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda, has sought to rebrand itself in recent years but is still classified as a terrorist organization by Western governments.

India’s call for dialogue underscores the international community’s concern over Syria’s stability. The conflict, which has already devastated the nation for over a decade, now faces renewed uncertainty with the collapse of Assad’s regime.