Sushma Swaraj regularly monitoring situation in Iraq

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed here today that the External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj has been monitoring and reviewing the situation in Iraq on a regular basis.

"The situation in Iraq is a high priority item on the agenda of the MEA today; Sushma Swaraj has herself been monitoring and reviewing the situation on a regular basis. In accordance with her instructions the embassy of India in Bagdad is providing us updated reports on their contacts with the Indian nationals in the affected areas," said MEA spokesperson, Syed Akbaruddin.

"The minister had also requested that the secretary incharge of that region, Mr. Anil Wadhwa to chair a crisis management meeting today to review all aspects of assistance that could be provided to the Indian nationals in the affected areas," added Akbaruddin.

Tikrit and Mosul cities of Iraq have been captured by a Sunni Jihadist group called the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) amid strikes on Sunday.

Keeping in view the growing crisis in Iraq, the Indian Government had advised its citizens on Monday to refrain from travelling there.

A 24-hour helpline has also been set up which can be accessed for information or assistance from the Indian Embassy in Baghdad.

Akbaruddin also said that Mr. Wadhwa met the Iraqi ambassador in India who had apprised him of the situation in Iraq.

"MEA will also be monitoring the situation on an hourly basis and will keep updating of the further developments in this regard," he added.