The Indian government has advised its nationals to avoid travel to several countries, including Bangladesh, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, and Yemen, due to escalating violence and instability in these regions.
Bangladesh
Indian nationals are urged to exercise extreme caution and restrict their movements due to ongoing student-led protests against government hiring rules. These protests have escalated into widespread violence, resulting in over 260 deaths. The unrest began after the High Court reinstated a quota system for government jobs, which was later suspended by the Supreme Court. Despite the suspension, protests continued, leading to significant violence and disruption. The advisory states, "India strongly advises all its nationals presently residing in Bangladesh to exercise 'extreme caution' and restrict their movements in the wake of fresh waves of violence."
Israel
Nationals are advised to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country, and stay close to safety shelters following the assassination of key Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. The heightened tensions have led to Air India cancelling flights to Tel Aviv, with multiple international airlines avoiding the airspace. The Indian Embassy in Israel advised, "Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country and stay close to safety shelters. The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and remains in regular touch with the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all our nationals."
Lebanon
Indians are strongly advised against travelling to Lebanon until further notice and to leave if currently there. The advisory cites the region's instability, compounded by ongoing conflict and tensions with neighbouring countries, as significant safety risks. The Indian Embassy states, "Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Lebanon till further notice. It is also advised to leave Lebanon."
Iran
Due to the heightened tensions following the recent killing of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, Indian nationals are advised to exercise caution and avoid travel if possible. Airlines are avoiding Iranian airspace due to fears of regional escalation. The situation remains tense, with potential for further conflict.
Yemen
The government has issued a stark warning to avoid all travel to Yemen. The country remains highly dangerous due to ongoing conflicts involving Iran and its proxies, leading to severe instability and the threat of terrorism. The advisory states, "Avoid all travel to Yemen."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "Iran and its minions are looking to surround us in a stranglehold of terrorism. We are determined to stand against them on every front and in every arena – near and far." Defence Minister Yoav Gallant added, “Whoever seeks to harm us will pay a very heavy price.”
Russia and Ukraine
While no formal advisory has been issued, Indians are advised to exercise caution due to the prolonged conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The ongoing violence and instability in the region suggest it is best to avoid travelling to these areas for now. The conflict, now in its third year, remains highly volatile and dangerous.
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