On December 8, President Bashar al-Assad’s 50-year-old regime in Syria was overthrown by rebel forces, who took control of Damascus after Assad fled to Russia. India has expressed concern over the situation and is in contact with its citizens in Syria to ensure their safety. U.S. President Joe Biden called the fall of Assad’s regime a “fundamental act of justice.” The United Nations urged Syrians to use this moment for a peaceful future. Meanwhile, Assad and his family have been granted asylum by Russia on humanitarian grounds, as Russia has been a strong ally of Assad throughout Syria’s civil war. Russia also has key military bases in Syria.