India to evacuate its citizens, condemns use of force in Libya

New Delhi, Feb 23 (ANI): To ensure the safety and welfare of its nationals, the Government of India is planning to evacuate its citizens from Libya and has also deplored the use of force in strife-torn Libya.

The situation in Libya worsened after a defiant Muammar Gaddafi late on Tuesday vowed to stay on as the country's leader, raising fears of more bloodshed.

India has decided to evacuate its citizens from the African country after External Affairs Minister SM Krishna spoke to India's envoy in Tripoli, Mani Meklai. India is finalizing plans to evacuate all 18,000 Indians via air and sea from Libya.

"The Government of India has been following, with serious concern, the developments in Libya, leading to loss of numerous lives and injuries to many more," Ministry of External Affairs said in its statement on Wednesday.

"The Government deplores the use of force which is totally unacceptable and must not be resorted to. It is earnestly hoped that calm is restored at the earliest without any further violence," it said.

"The Ministry and the Embassy of India in Tripoli are closely monitoring the situation and are in regular touch with representatives of the Indian community. Necessary measures, as warranted by the situation, would be taken by the Government to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian nationals," the statement added. (ANI)