As the tension between India and Pakistan escalates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Singapore has advised its citizens to defer all non-essential travel to both the countries.
It also added that Singaporeans who are already in India or Pakistan should take all necessary precautions to ensure their personal safety.
Yesterday, both India and Pakistan claimed that they had shot down each other’s fighter planes over Kashmir. Both the countries lay claim to Kashmir, but only control parts of it.
India carried air strikes against a training camp belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) near Balakot, almost 50 km from the frontier.
The ties between both India and Pakistan is under a serious strain since the February 14 suicide bombing carried by an alleged JeM terrorist at Pulwama in Kashmir that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troops.
Issuing serious concerns about the present situation, MFA said, “Singapore notes with deep concern the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama attack on February 14. We call on both parties to ensure the safety of all civilians.”
“Singaporeans should defer all non-essential travel to Jammu & Kashmir in India, and to Pakistan. Travellers should also exercise precaution in other areas, especially the border regions between Pakistan and India, given the uncertain security situation,” said MFA.
“Several cities, including New Delhi and Mumbai, and the border districts of Kutch, Banaskantha, and Patan in Gujarat have been placed on high alert,’ it added.
There have also been reports of airport closures and flight cancellations in various Indian states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand.
“The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority has also closed its airspace to all commercial flights, and there have been reports of flight cancellations across Pakistan,” noted MFA.
Singaporeans who are already in India and Pakistan should take all necessary precautions to ensure their personal safety. They are advised to stay vigilant, monitor developments through the local news, and heed the instructions of the local authorities.
“Do stay in touch with your family and friends in Singapore so that they know you are safe,” advised MFA.
Singaporeans in India and Pakistan are encouraged to eRegister with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg.
Those who require consular assistance can contact the following:
Singapore High Commission in New Delhi, India
Address: E-6 Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Tel: +91 11 4600 0800 / +91 98102 03595
Email: singhc_del@mfa.sg
Singapore Honorary Consulate-General in Karachi, Pakistan
Address: Lakson Square Building No. 2, Sarwar Shaheed Road, Karachi
Tel: +92 21 3568 6419 / +92 21 3568 5308
Email: singaporecg@cyber.net.pk
24-hour MFA Duty Office
Tel: +65 6379 8800 / +65 6379 8855