New Delhi, December 14 – A group of Indian nationals evacuated from war-torn Syria returned home on Saturday, recounting the harrowing experience they endured in the conflict-ridden country. Many praised the Indian Embassy’s continuous support and guidance during the ordeal.
Shortly after landing at Delhi Airport, several evacuees shared their experiences with the media, shedding light on the chaos and fear they faced.
Witnessing Chaos and Violence
Sunil Dutt, a mechanical engineer from Chandigarh, described the dire conditions in Syria. “There were antisocial elements on the streets looting possessions. The constant sound of gunfire and bombings made the situation even worse,” he said.
Dutt added that the Indian Embassy maintained close contact with them throughout the crisis. “We were advised to stay calm and not open our doors under any circumstances,” he recalled.
Evacuation Operation
India has successfully evacuated all nationals from Syria who expressed a desire to return home. According to Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, 77 Indian citizens have been repatriated so far.
“We have evacuated all Indian citizens in Syria who wished to return following the recent developments,” Jaiswal confirmed on Friday.
Firsthand Accounts of Fear and Rescue
Sachet Kapoor from Greater Noida, who was among the evacuees, shared his experience of the deteriorating situation. “We had been in Syria for seven months. On December 7, the situation worsened. We were moved to Damascus, where we witnessed fires and bombings all around. The atmosphere was terrifying,” Kapoor recounted.
Kapoor praised the Indian Embassy for facilitating their safe transfer to Lebanon. “Thanks to the Embassy, we were moved to Lebanon without any difficulties, where our accommodation and food arrangements were excellent,” the electrical engineer noted.
Ratan Lal, another returnee, highlighted the urgency of the evacuation. “I had been in Syria for five years. When the situation deteriorated, we were called to Damascus, provided with visas, and accommodated in a hotel before being transferred to the airport for our onward journey,” he said.
Lal added that the escalating violence prompted his family to insist on his return. “The situation was unbearable, and my family urged me to come back at any cost,” he said.
A Coordinated Evacuation Effort
The Indian government’s efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens were evident in the smooth execution of the evacuation. From coordinating travel to ensuring comfortable accommodations in Lebanon, the operation exemplified the Embassy’s commitment to its citizens’ well-being.
As the returnees reunite with their families, their stories serve as a testament to the challenges faced in conflict zones and the critical role of diplomatic interventions in such crises.
