Leave strife-torn Iraq, says government advisory to Indians

NEW DELHI: Taking note of the "precarious security situation" prevailing in Iraq, the government on Sunday advised all Indian nationals to avoid travelling to the turbulent country until further notification. Iraq is currently the second largest supplier of crude to India after Saudi Arabia.

The government asked Indian nationals in Iraq to consider leaving the country by commercial means "if it is safe to do so". There are more than 15,000 Indians living in Iraq.

"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," a government advisory issued by the government said.