India over decades has advocated policy of non interference in internal affairs of a sovereign nation and called for dialogue to address all situations.

India on Saturday distanced itself from the military strikes in Syria and called for dialogue and negotiations, and on the basis of the principles of the UN Charter and in accordance with international law.

Responding to queries regarding the recent strikes in Syria, MEA Spokesperson said: "We have taken note of the recent strikes in Syria. India is closely following the situation. The alleged use of chemical weapons, if true, is deplorable. We call for an impartial and objective investigation by the OPCW to establish the facts."

"In the meantime, we urge all Parties to show restraint and to avoid any further escalation in the situation. The matter should be resolved through dialogue and negotiations, and on the basis of the principles of the UN Charter and in accordance with international law. We hope that the long drawn suffering of the people of Syria would come to an end soon," the spokesperson noted while making it clear that India doesn't favour military strikes in Syria.

India over decades has advocated policy of non interference in internal affairs of a sovereign nation and called for dialogue to address all situations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has lambasted Western strikes in Syria and described it as an act of aggression even as his American counterpart described it as mission accomplished. Russia even claimed that Syrian air defences shot down 71 of the 103 missiles shot by USA, UK & France against chemical weapons complexes in Syria.

Russian government sources appreciated India's position on the military strikes in Syria.