NEW DELHI: India has issued an advisory urging all its citizens to avoid travelling to Syria in the wake of the violence and unrest in the Middle Eastern country.

"In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in its advisory.

The Ministry also urged the stranded Indians to leave by the earliest available commercial flights. It further issued an emergency helpline number and email ID for Indian nationals to contact the Indian Embassy in Damascus.

"Indians currently in Syria are requested to remain in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number +963 993385973," the MEA said.