India worried about 190 peacekeepers in Syria unrest

With the violence in Syria intensifying, New Delhi is concerned about 190 Indians in the United Nations-mandated peacekeepers in Golan Heights, the buffer zone between Syria and Israel.

With the violence in Syria intensifying, New Delhi is concerned about 190 Indians in the United Nations-mandated peacekeepers in Golan Heights, the buffer zone between Syria and Israel.

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Austria has begun pulling out its keepers and there are reports of the Philippines following suit. But they said Indian forces would continue to stay there.

Austria’s decision came after Syrian rebels seized the Quneitra crossing—between Israel and Syria—last week, and two UN troopers were injured in an incident there. The crossing is in the demilitarised zone between Israel and Syria.

Meanwhile, India is also concerned about the deteriorating situation and unfolding of more violence in Syria. Indian officials see Syria being used by extremists from various parts of the world. They also say “various competing interests were making it worse”.