India advises citizens to avoid traveling to Iraq

The Indian government on Wednesday issued an advisory to its citizens against traveling to Iraq in the wake of escalated tensions between the Iranian government and the U.S. troops stationed there.

"In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq," said the travel advisory.

A war-like situation has erupted in the Gulf ever since the killing of a top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani by U.S. troops in a drone attack near Baghdad international airport last week.

According to latest official figures available, the total number of Indians in Iraq is estimated to be around 15,000-17,000, mostly in Kurdistan region, Basra, Najaf and Karbala.

Besides, about 30,000-40,000 Indians visit Baghdad, Karbala, Najaf and Samarrah in Iraq for pilgrimage annually.