Indian athletes at World Schools Sports Meet in Turkey safe: Sushma

New Delhi: All 148 Indian children and 38 officials who are in Turkey for World Schools Sports Meet are safe, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said today.

Turkey is witnessing violence after an attempted military coup in which at least 250 people have died.

"There are 148 Indian children and 38 officials in Trapzon #Turkey. They are all safe.

"The games are on. They will start returning in batches from 18th July," Swaraj tweeted.

India has been closely following the developments in Turkey and has advised its nationals to stay indoors until the situation becomes clearer.

"India calls upon all sides 2 support democracy & mandate of the ballot, & avoid bloodshed," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

The Indian Embassy has also set up emergency helplines to assist Indian nationals in Ankara (+905303142203) and Istanbul (+905305671095).