India Advocates for Stability and Peace in Syria Amid Political Upheaval
NEW DELHI: On Monday, India expressed its support for efforts aimed at stabilizing Syria following the recent upheaval in which opposition forces have successfully overthrown President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The Indian government emphasized the importance of maintaining Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The situation intensified when Assad fled Syria amidst a swift military offensive led by a rebel faction known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has ties to al-Qaeda. The rebel group entered the capital, Damascus, without facing resistance, marking the end of Assad’s family rule that lasted over fifty years.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the situation and issued a statement urging all involved parties to work towards preserving Syria’s integrity. The ministry stressed the need for a peaceful and collaborative political process that respects the diverse interests and aspirations of all factions within Syria.
In light of recent events, the Indian embassy in Damascus is reaching out to the Indian community there to ensure their safety. Reports indicate that around 90 Indian nationals currently in Syria are safe after the rebels took control of the capital. The Indian government previously advised its citizens in Syria to leave the country and discouraged any non-essential travel to the region.
Syria, which was once home to a substantial Indian community, saw its numbers dwindle due to the prolonged civil war. Presently, the community comprises only 92 individuals, including 14 working for various United Nations organizations and non-governmental organizations.
Meanwhile, reports from Russian state media state that Assad and his family are now in Moscow, having been granted asylum. Earlier statements from Russia’s foreign ministry confirmed that he had officially resigned and exited the country.
The fall of Assad’s regime represents a significant shift in the power dynamics in the region, particularly affecting Iran and Russia, who previously held considerable influence. Rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani claimed victory in a speech, stating that a new chapter is being written for the region, with ambitions to build a new Syria that would serve as a model for the Islamic world.
In a call for democratic transition, Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, who served as prime minister under Assad, highlighted the need for free elections and indicated he was in discussions with Golani regarding the next steps in establishing a transitional government.
Global leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have echoed calls for peace and stability in Syria. Starmer underscored the importance of reaching a political solution to restore order and stability in the region.
Similarly, Egypt’s foreign ministry urged all parties in Syria to unify their goals and initiate a comprehensive political process to foster internal peace. China’s foreign ministry also highlighted the need to restore stability in Syria and pursue a political resolution as quickly as possible.
