Indian embassy making arrangements to airlift Indians from Egypt

Indian embassy in Cairo has made arrangements to airlift Indian nationals in Egypt wanting to return home in the wake of violent agitation against the Hosni Mubarak regime.

The arrangements are being coordinated by Indian ambassador R Swaminathan, officials said in New Delhi. They said the embassy officials are in touch with the ministry of external affairs (MEA) here, which is closely monitoring the situation.

The officials said most of the Indians are People of Indian Origin (PIOs) who have settled in Egypt and the government will make arrangements if they wish to return to the country.

The MEA had yesterday issued a travel advisory asking Indians to avoid non-essential travel to that country.

"The embassy of India in Cairo, is in touch with members of the Indian community, who are reported to be safe. There are about 3600 PIO in Egypt, of which some 2200 are in Cairo.

"In view of the prevailing situation in Egypt, Indian nationals are advised to avoid non-essential travel to Egypt for the present...," the advisory had said.

Indian embassy has also set-up a round-the-clock control room.

At least 100 people have been killed in the clashes and hundreds injured. Around 1,000 protesters have been arrested across the country since the protests broke out five days ago.