As violent fighting rages across Sudan and the death toll mounts, India prepares to rescue stranded citizens. As part of a contingency plan, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has positioned two C-130J transport aircraft on standby in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and the Indian Navy Ship (INS) Sumedha has already reached Port Sudan on the Red Sea.
India’s Efforts
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday said the government is “making all out efforts” to ensure the safety and security of Indians caught in the crossfire. The Indian Embassy in Khartoum is in touch with “various partners,” including the Sudanese government, the UN, the US, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, to help with evacuation efforts.
The Ministry noted that New Delhi is pursuing “multiple options” with regard to rescue efforts. “Contingency plans are in place but any movement on the ground would depend on the security situation, which continues to be volatile,” the statement said.
It noted that Sudanese airspace is closed at the moment, and movement over land is a risky affair. “Our Embassy is in regular touch with the stranded Indians in Sudan and is advising them on the viability of safe movement and the need to avoid unnecessary risk.”
Saudi Arabia Rescues Indians
The Saudi Foreign Ministry tweeted on Saturday that it successfully evacuated Saudi citizens and nationals, including diplomats and international officials, from “brotherly and friendly” countries. It announced that the Saudi navy and army, in a joint operation, rescued 91 citizens. Among those rescued, 66 are from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Canada, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, the Philippines, Egypt, Tunisia, Bulgaria, and Burkina Faso.
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All evacuees arrived safely in Saudi Arabia. “The Kingdom worked to provide all the necessary needs of foreign nationals in preparation for their departure to the countries,” the Ministry said.
PM Modi Holds Security Briefing
The latest MEA release on the situation in Sudan came two days after PM Narendra Modi chaired a high-level video conference meeting to review the security situation. The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and other senior officials.
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The PM reviewed strategies to ensure the safety of almost 3,000 Indians stuck in Sudan and received a first-hand report about the situation on the ground. Modi also expressed his condolences on the death of an Indian national, who was shot.
The PM “instructed all relevant officials to remain vigilant, closely monitoring developments and continuously evaluating the safety of Indian nationals in Sudan and extending them all possible assistance,” Modi’s office said.