Taking stock of the growing crisis in Iraq, the Indian Government on Monday said that the recent attacks and taking over of some cities, including of Mosul and Tikrit by terrorist outfits is a direct threat to the security and territorial integrity of Iraq.
"The Indian Government is deeply concerned with deteriorating security situation in Iraq, resulting out of recent attacks and taking over of some cities, including of Mosul and Tikrit by terrorist outfits since June 8, which is a direct threat to the security and territorial integrity of Iraq," stated a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) press release.
Strongly condemning the attacks, the MEA further said that the Indian Government firmly stands by the Iraq Government and its people in their fight against international terrorism and in their efforts to preserve the unity and territorial integrity of the friendly country of Iraq.
"India remains strongly committed to the emergence of a stable, peaceful, united and democratic Iraq, which is in the interest of regional and global peace and security," it further stated.
It also said that the safety and security of the Indian nationals currently in Iraq remains a matter of serious concern for the Indian Government.
"An advisory has been issued giving the details of a 24 hour helpline set up by the Indian Embassy in Baghdad for assistance of Indian nationals there," the press release further said.