WASHINGTON, May 31: The US State Department on Friday authorized the voluntary departure of non-essential diplomats and all dependents from its missions in India, saying it could not rule out a worsening of the crisis with Pakistan.
The announcement, contained in a travel warning, allows the diplomats and their families at the US embassy in New Delhi and consulates around the country to leave at Washington’s expense.
It is a lower level of alert than the “ordered departure” issued for Pakistan in March, which leaves those affected no choice but to leave.
“The Department has authorized the voluntary departure of non- emergency personnel and all dependents from our embassy and consulates in India,” the travel warning said.
“The Department of State urges American citizens currently in India to depart,” it said.
“Tensions have risen to serious levels and the risk of intensified military hostilities between India and Pakistan cannot be ruled out,” said the travel warning.
The United States has been at the forefront of a widening international effort to forestall war between India and Pakistan, amid fears that a conflict could escalate into the world’s first nuclear exchange.
BRITAIN: Britain advised its nationals to consider leaving India and said it was scaling down its diplomatic staff there.
“As a precautionary measure I have decided to offer dependents of British Government staff, and less essential staff themselves, the chance to return home if they choose,” said Foreign Secretary Jack Straw in a statement.
Britain would continue to offer a visa service in India, but at reduced levels, the statement said, noting that the United States was taking similar steps.
Germany, Canada, New Zealand and Australia also advised their nationals to leave India if not on urgent business.—Agencies
