India calls upon all sides to support democracy in Turkey

With Turkey witnessing a coup attempt by the military leading to bloody clashes in major cities, India has called upon all sides to support democracy and mandate of the ballot, and avoid bloodshed, while advising its nationals in Turkey to avoid public places and stay indoors.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday asked Indian nationals in Turkey to avoid public places and stay indoors. The EAM also advised Indian nationals not travel to Turkey until situation normalised.

"Indian nationals in Turkey: Pl avoid public places and stay indoors. Indian nationals should not travel to Turkey until situation is normal there," tweeted Swaraj.

The minister also suggested them to remain in touch with the Indian Embassy there. "Pl ask them to stay indoors and remain in touch with @IndianEmbassyTR," she tweeted.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said they were closely following the developments in Turkey. "We hv been closely following the dev's in #Turkey India calls upon all sides 2 support democracy & mandate of the ballot, & avoid bloodshed," he tweeted.

"Our Embassy in Ankara advises Indian nationals in Turkey to avoid public places and remain indoors until the situation there becomes clearer," Swarup said in another tweet.

He also released emergency contact numbers for Indian nationals in Ankara: +905303142203; and in Istanbul: +905305671095.

Meanwhile, Turkey's state news agency said 17 police officers have been killed in helicopter attacks. Some top army officials are said to be detained. Explosions were also reported near Parliament in Ankara.

Later, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the situation is largely under control. He said, more than 120 people have been arrested over the coup attempt.