Against the backdrop of escalating security concerns in Haiti, the Ministry of External Affairs has assured swift action, stating that the government stands ready to evacuate all Indian nationals from the Caribbean island, which is grappling with the scourge of gang violence and political instability.
The statement was issued by Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randheer Jaiswal in response to inquiries regarding the safety of Indian citizens in Haiti. According to MEA data, there are currently between 50 to 80 Indian nationals in Haiti.
Addressing reporters during the weekly press briefing, the MEA Spokesperson affirmed, “The Embassy is in constant communication with all of them. We are closely monitoring the situation. Given the crisis in Haiti, if necessary, we will facilitate their evacuation. Our Embassy in Santo Domingo is vigilantly monitoring developments, and the Ministry is fully engaged.”
Additionally, the Spokesperson announced the establishment of a 24-hour control room at the Ministry of External Affairs and a 24-hour emergency helpline at the Indian Embassy in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to provide assistance and information.
“Haiti. we have set up a control room here at the Ministry of External Affairs. We have emergency helpline numbers. Our Embassy in Santo Domingo, which is accredited for Haiti, has also established a control room and helplines,” the MEA Spokesperson added.
Notably, Haiti, sharing the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic to the east, has been embroiled in civil unrest. Recent weeks have seen gangs launching attacks on various parts of the capital, Port-Au-Prince, as well as other regions, including the airport, seaport, and most recently, the national prison.
Furthermore, in the wake of these attacks, Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned earlier this week and sought refuge in Puerto Rico after being forced out by gangs, citing the absence of general elections. Notably, Haiti has not held general elections in eight years.
