As the 16-month old Syrian conflict between the rebels and government worsens, India asked its nationals to avoid "all travel" to Syria. In an advisory, the Ministry of External Affairs said "in view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria until further notification."

There are only about 50-60 Indians currently in Syria in addition to those in the diplomatic mission. Before the conflict broke out, there were a little over 1000 Indians and after worsening of the situation, they had started leaving that country, reported PTI.

Earlier, in May, two Indians were killed on the Syria-Iraq border in a tragic incident. That time also India had issued an advisory asking its nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Syria. Significantly, New Delhi had yesterday voted in favour of a resolution that threatens sanctions against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad if government forces don't stop attacks.