India issues travel advisory for its nationals in Brussels

New Delhi: India on Tuesday night issued a travel advisory asking Indian nationals living in Brussels or visiting it to exercise caution and remain alert in view of terror attacks in the Belgian city killing around 30 people and wounding over 200. The advisory specifically asked Indians in Belgium to avoid visiting crowded places, especially the city centres, and refrain from unnecessary travels and using public transport.
It said Belgium has issued the highest security alert following the terror attacks in Zaventem Airport and Maelbeek Metro Station in Brussels and appealed to Indian nationals to remain alert and exercise caution.
Issued by the Indian Embassy in Brussels, it also asked Indian nationals to share personal whereabouts with close family members and friends at all times and keep in touch with the Mission for necessary advice.
The Embassy also appealed to all Indians in Belgium to "stay home and be safe".
"All members of the Indian community, including Indian travellers to Belgium, are requested to exercise caution and alertness while leading their normal lives and carrying out their ordinary work outdoors in this country," it said.
It said the Embassy can be contacted on phone numbers + 322 640 91 40, + 32 2 645 1850 and + 32 476 748 575 (Mobile).
Two Jet Airways crew members were injured in the explosions which led the airline to cancel all its flights to and from the Belgian capital till Wednesday.
The Embassy in a tweet said Jet passengers stranded in Brussels are being shifted from the airport and that food and accomodation are being provided.
Meanwhile, condemning the terror attacks in Brussels, President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday conveyed India's deepest sympathies to families of the victims and people of Belgium and said the global community must unite to overcome the scourge of terrorism. "I was deeply shocked to hear of the terrorist attacks in Brussels this morning," he said in his message.
"India condemns these barbaric acts of violence and conveys its deepest sympathies to the families of the innocent victims and the entire people of Belgium," Mukherjee said.
"We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The global community must unite to overcome the scourge of terrorism," he added.