Given the fragile security situation in Yemen, India on Wednesday, issued an advisory asking its nationals not to travel to the country. Yemen is witnessing attacks by Shia militiamen on the President and other state figures.
“Our nationals in Yemen are advised to avoid conflict areas and to remain in contact with our embassy in Sana’a for necessary advice and updated information on the evolving security situation. Indian nationals in Yemen may consider leaving the country on voluntary basis by commercial means, if it is safe to do so. Those nationals who do not have travel documents or need other consular services are advised to seek assistance from our embassy in Sana’a,” an advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said.
The Indian Embassy in Sana’a has set up helplines and designated officers to assist departure of Indians. There are about two lakh Indians based in Aden, Hadramout, Hodeidah, Taiz and Sana’a.
Authorities in Yemen’s second city Aden said in a statement that they were closing airport, seaport and entrances to the city due to “dangerous developments in the capital.”
Meanwhile, India has announced opening of Integrated Check Post in Attari for exports from Afghanistan. This will give Afghanistan direct access to the Indian market at almost zero duty. “India provides duty-free access to the Indian market for Afghanistan’s export products under the Agreement of South Asia Free Trade Area. To give a fillip to Afghanistan’s exports to India and to reduce the transaction costs for Afghani exporters, India offers to allow Afghan trucks (carrying their export products) to directly unload at its Integrated Check Post in Attari,” MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.