Syrian Ambassador summoned by India, clarifies Jihadi remarks

India has summoned Syrian Ambassador Riad Abbas regarding his remarks on presence of "Indian Jihadis" in his country.

However, the Syrian envoy, categorically stated that "he had not made any remarks on the presence of Indian jihadis" and had spoken about jihadis in general, who were coming in from Turkey into Syria.

Abbas was summoned on Friday by Joint Secretary Sandeep Kumar JS (West Asia and North Africa) in External Affairs Ministry in connection with his remarks during an interview that "Indian fighters" are waging "Islamic jihad" against President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria alongside fighters from Afghanistan and Chechnya.

As regards comments on not sharing evidence with the Indian side as no Indian official had been to Syria for the last two years, Abbas stated that the evidence was with reference to use of chemical weapons by the rebels, and not relating to presence of Indian jihadis in Syria, official sources said.

Abbas also stated strongly that he was always deeply appreciative of India's position on Syria.