NEW DELHI: Taking note of the “precarious security situation” prevailing in Iraq, the government advised all Indian nationals to avoid travelling to the strife torn country until further notification. Iraq is currently the second largest supplier of crude to India after Saudi Arabia.
Hundreds of thousands of Shia Muslims from India frequently visit holy sites in Iraq. The traffic has picked up manifold after the fall of dictator Saddam Hussein.
Besides an estimated 15,000 Indians live in Iraq for business and study purposes.
The government asked Indian nationals in Iraq to consider leaving the country by commercial means “if it is safe to do so”.
“Our nationals living in areas affected by the ongoing armed conflict are advised to stay indoors as far as possible and are advised to remain in contact with our embassy in Baghdad for necessary advice and updated information on the evolving security situation. Those nationals who do not have travel documents or need other consular services are advised to seek assistance from the Indian embassy in Baghdad,” an advisory issued by the government said.
The Indian embassy in Baghdad has set up a 24-hour helpline which can be accessed for information or assistance through +964 770 444 4899.
According to agency reports, India has an over $1 billion diversified export basket with Iraq — exporting around 40 commodities like foodgrain, electronic items, soaps, shampoos and household goods.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
