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Informist, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024

NEW DELHI - India supports a "peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process" and is monitoring the situation in Syria in the light of ongoing political developments, the foreign ministry said in a release. The ministry also said that the Indian Embassy in Damascus was in contact with the Indian community, for their safety and security.

"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," the foreign ministry said in a statement on the developments in Syria.

On Sunday, after 13 years of civil war, Islamist-led rebels took control of Damascus, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee Syria. The rebels have swept through the country in less than 10 days, after more than a decade in which various factions had failed to unseat al-Assad.

Media reports said al-Assad and family have fled to Moscow and have been granted asylum in Russia. 

Earlier on Nov. 27, Syrian rebels had launched an attack on the country's government headed by President Bashar al-Assad, forcing Syrian military to confirm the rebels' presence in the Aleppo city and other parts of the country amid reports that the president had sought Russia's help as the civil war surfaced.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's interference in the Syrian civil war almost a decade ago had helped Assad to continue in power. Also, Iran has been backing Syria by sending armed forces to the war-torn country.

Amid the escalating tensions, India had advised its citizens to avoid all travel to Syria, urging those present in the country to leave at the earliest.

As the offensive peaked and the rebels claimed that President al-Assad had fled the country, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali Sunday said he was ready to "cooperate" with any leadership chosen by the people for a smooth transfer of power.

India and Syria enjoyed friendly political relations based on historical and civilisational links. Both the countries have a secular, nationalist and developmental orientation, share similar perceptions on many international and regional issues and are a member of Non-Aligned Movement.

India has two significant investments in Syria in the oil sector. An agreement was signed in January 2004 between ONGC and IPR International for exploration of oil/natural gas in Block 24 near Deir-ez-Zour in northern Syria. Also, there is an investment by ONGC India and CNPC China to jointly acquire the 37% stake of PetroCanada in the Syrian Al Furat Petroleum Company. ONGC Videsh Ltd. is currently facing difficulties in its operations due to the sanctions imposed by the US and the European Union on the Syrian oil sector.  End

Reported by Shahid K. Abbas

Edited by Akul Nishant Akhoury

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