Political unrest: Why you should avoid these countries right now
What's the story
The Indian government has issued travel advisories for several countries currently witnessing violent unrest.
The High Commission of India in London has advised Indian citizens to exercise caution while traveling to the United Kingdom due to large-scale anti-immigrant protests.
Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, civil unrest has resulted in tense situations since student protests erupted in July.
UK unrest
Indian High Commission advises vigilance for UK travelers
The Indian High Commission in London's advisory comes in the wake of violent protests against the government's immigration policies, sparked by the murder of three children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport.
The incident has led to widespread misinformation about the accused's nationality and religion, fueling anti-immigrant sentiments.
Information
Other countries issue travel warnings for UK
"Visitors from India are advised to stay vigilant and exercise due caution while travelling in the UK. It is advisable to follow local news and advisories issued by local security agencies," the High Commission said in its statement
Apart from India, several other countries including Nigeria, Australia, Indonesia, Kenya, and Malaysia have also issued travel advisories for their citizens for UK.
These nations have urged their nationals to stay alert and avoid areas where protests are ongoing.
Bangladesh situation
US, India advise against travel to Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, the student protests—ongoing since July—initially called for the abolition of civil service job quotas but have since grown into a broader anti-government movement.
India has urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Bangladesh until further notice and also heightened security along the shared borders.
Separately, the US State Department has advised its citizens not to travel to Bangladesh due to the ongoing unrest.
Israel unrest
Israel-Hamas conflict
Since October, Israel has been engaged in a conflict with Hamas in Gaza. According to the Benjamin Netanyahu-led government, 1,200 people were killed on October 7, 2023—when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel.
The ensuing war has resulted in over 39,000 casualties in Gaza.
Despite US support, Israel faces significant criticism for the violence in Gaza.
Calls for a ceasefire have grown, but these efforts were hampered by the assassination of senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.
Flights suspended
Air India suspends flights to Tel Aviv
Hamas and Tehran have blamed Israel for the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, with threats of retaliation, though Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.
Additionally, reports confirmed the death of Mohammed Deif, Hamas's military chief, in a July airstrike in Gaza.
These incidents have heightened tensions in West Asia. On August 2, India urged its nationals in Israel to stay alert and adhere to safety protocols.
Air India has also suspended flights to Tel Aviv until August 8.
Retaliation
Tensions expected in Iran
Iran is expected to retaliate against Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, where he was attending the inauguration of Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian.
Tehran has accused both Israel and the US of violating its sovereignty and has threatened severe retaliation.
With tensions rising, the US has classified Iran as a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" zone.
As of now, India has not issued a travel advisory for Iran.
Advisory
India urges citizens to leave Lebanon
India has urged its citizens to leave Lebanon and avoid travel to the country due to escalating tensions.
On August 1, the Indian embassy in Beirut advised those remaining to exercise extreme caution, limit their movements, and stay in touch with the embassy via email at cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860120.
This advisory followed the killing of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut by Israel.
Previously, India had only recommended avoiding non-essential travel to Lebanon without advising evacuation.