No report of any Indian casualty has been reported so far from Istanbul where the terror attacks at the International terminal of Ataturk Airport even as security across all Indian airports has been tightened.
The External Affairs Ministry said that the Indian Consulate is in constant touch with Istanbul Governorate and the Turkish Health Ministry hotline desk. The consulate has given emergency contact numbers for Indians requiring assistance though no Indian has been found to be in the list of casualties so far, MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said on Wednesday. The Indian Embassy in Ankara tweeted helpline numbers for Indians requiring assistance. “Indians req assist, pls call +90-530-5671095/8258037/4123625/,” the embassy said in a tweet.
The Turkish Air flights to Delhi and Mumbai took off from Istanbul on Tuesday night as scheduled. MEA said that though Ataturk Airport operations at Istanbul have resumed, long delays are likely and since many flights have been diverted to Sabiha Gokcen airport in Istanbul, delays are expected there as well.
Following terror attacks in Turkey airport, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said security of Indian airports is at highest. “It’s our commitment that we will continue to ensure safety and security of Indian airports and skies,” Raju said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the terror attack in Istanbul, terming it as inhuman and horrific. “Attack in Istanbul is inhuman & horrific. I condemn it strongly. My thoughts are with bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly,” PM said in a tweet.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi also expressed shock over the terror attack in Istanbul. “Shocked &deeply saddened by news of yet another terror attack in Istanbul; Strongly condemn this cowardly attack on innocents…My prayers are with the families of the victims & the ppl of #Istanbul”, the Gandhi said on Twitter.
Reacting to the terror attack news, American Ambassador to India Richard Verma said the US would continue to work with partners, including India, to defeat terrorism. “The United States condemns in the strongest terms the attack on the Ataturk International Airport. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victims and their loved ones and we wish a swift recovery to those injured. The global bonds between our citizens are more powerful than the gun or bomb of any terrorist and we will continue to work with our partners, including India, to confront and defeat this challenge,” Verma said.