India advises its citizens to leave violence-hit Niger as soon as possible
New Delhi, Aug 11: India on Friday advised its nationals residing in violence-hit Niger to leave that country as soon as possible in view of escalating violence there.
At present, around 250 Indians are living in Niger that has witnessed widespread protests and violence following last month's coup.
In an advisory, the Ministry of External Affairs said those who may be planning to travel to Niger should reconsider their plans until the situation normalises.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at his weekly media briefing that India is closely monitoring the ongoing developments in Niger.
"In light of the prevailing situation, Indian nationals whose presence is not essential are advised to leave the country as soon as possible," he said.
"They may bear in mind that air space is currently closed. When departing through a land border, utmost precautions may be taken to ensure safety and security," he added, reading out an advisory.
"All those Indian nationals who have not registered with the Indian Embassy in Niamey are strongly advised to do so expeditiously," he said.
"Indian nationals can reach emergency contact in the Embassy of India, Niamey (+ 227 9975 9975) for any assistance," he said.
Bagchi said the Indian embassy in Niamey is in touch with the Indian community and that it is looking at facilitating the exit of the Indians from the country.
"We have been told that the Indians (there) are safe," he added.
A number of European countries evacuated their citizens from Niger.
On July 26, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani seized power in Niger overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum by staging a coup.
Following the coup, 62-year-old Gen Tchiani declared himself as the head of the 'National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland'.
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PM Modi speaks to Iranian president, discusses 'serious' situation in West Asia
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday night spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the phone and discussed the "serious situation" in West Asia.
Modi expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the region and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.
The prime minister told the Iranian President that the safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priorities.
“Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure,” Modi said in a post on X.
The prime minister also reiterated India's commitment to peace and stability and urged dialogue and diplomacy to end the crisis.
The prime minister had spoken to leaders of several West Asian countries in the last 10 days in the wake of the coordinated offensive launched against Iran by the United States and Israel, in which the Islamic country's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed last month.
In retaliation, Iran has fired drones and missiles at Israel and US military installations around the Gulf region, including the global business and aviation hubs of Dubai and Doha.
Modi earlier spoke to the leaders of Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Israel and Qatar, and expressed concern over the attacks on their countries, and condemned the violation of some nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also discussed the welfare and security of the Indian community residing in those countries.
Around 1 crore Indians live in the Gulf and West Asia. While about 10,000 Indian citizens live, study and work in Iran, more than 40,000 live in Israel.
