Avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq: MEA’s advice

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs in a travel advisory issued on Wednesday asked Indians “to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification”. The ministry said the government is closely monitoring the situation. The government is also exploring the possibility of evacuating diaspora if a full-blown war breaks out, ET has learnt.

The establishment is, however, of the view that a war-like situation may not arise altogether. “In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq. Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq,” according to the MEA advisory.