New Delhi, Jan 10 (UNI): India is closely following developments in Kazakhstan, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Monday, and asked Indians in the country to follow local security instructions.
Kazakhstan has been witnessing unrest over high fuel prices, and so far 3,000 people have been detained and 26 armed individuals killed in clashes with the security forces.
Mass protests in the country began earlier in the week as residents of Zhanaozen and Aktau opposed a two-fold increase in prices for liquefied petroleum gas.
“India is closely following the recent developments in Kazakhstan. We express our deepest condolences to families of innocent victims who have lost lives in the violence,” Bagchi said.
“As a close and friendly partner of Kazakhstan, we look forward to an early stabilisation of the situation,” he said.
The spokesperson said coordination with authorities has helped ensuring the safety and security of Indian nationals.
“They are advised to follow local security instructions and get in touch with the Embassy of India for any assistance,” he said.
