MUMBAI/ NEW DELHI: In the wake of the unprecedented terror strike in Mumbai, the US, European countries and Australia on Thursday advised their citizens to defer travel to India’s commercial capital until further notice. The countries also advised their nationals to be careful elsewhere in India.
The British high commission has asked its nationals to avoid travelling to India, especially to Mumbai, unless it is an emergency. “Those already here are being told to avoid South Mumbai,” Britain’s high commissioner for India Richard Stagg said.
He said they had reports of seven Britons injured and admitted in hospital in Mumbai but said he had no idea how many were being held hostage in the Taj and Oberoi hotels.
The high commission said in a circular, “If you need immediate assistance please call (0091) 1124192288. Those already in the UK and concerned about friends and family in India, please call the foreign and commonwealth office on 02070080000. The citizens have already been informed about flight cancellation and thus they should contact their travel agent for information.”
The American embassy also warned its citizens not to travel to Mumbai. “Due to the fluid situation in Mumbai, Americans are urged to defer travel to Mumbai for at least the next 48-72 hours,” the advisory issued by the US embassy in New Delhi said.
The Australian high commission asked its nationals to exercise “extreme caution” if they were travelling to India. France too has advised its citizens not to travel to Mumbai and “be doubly cautious”.
