As part of the Indian government’s efforts to evacuate Indians stranded in conflict-torn Sudan, two C-130J military transport aircraft have been kept on standby in Jeddah, while an Indian Navy ship has arrived at a strategic port in the region, Defense ministry Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Sunday.
This statement comes a few days after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi Instructed officials to prepare contingency evacuation plan for around 3,000 Indian nationals stranded in the country amid rising violence.
The Ministry of External Affairs has revealed that contingency plans have been put in place to facilitate the evacuation of Indian nationals from Sudan, but stressed that any action taken will depend on the security situation on the ground.
“Two Indian Air Force C-130Js are currently stationed on standby in Jeddah. And INS Sumedha has reached Sudan port. MEA said.
According to the government, the security situation in Sudan remains volatile, with reports of intense fighting from several areas within the capital city Khartoum.
The Ministry of External Affairs said that India is doing everything possible to ensure the safety of Indians stranded in Sudan. “We are closely following the complex and evolving security situation in Sudan,” the statement said. ,
In addition to engaging with the Sudanese authorities, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of India in Sudan have maintained constant communication with several international actors, including the United Nations, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and the US.
The Ministry of External Affairs has further stated that the Government of India is actively pursuing various options to ensure a quick and effective response to the current situation.
The airspace over Sudan is currently closed to foreign aircraft, and there are significant risks and logistical constraints associated with ground transportation, according to the statement.
The primary airport, located in Sudan’s capital city Khartoum, has become the site of intense conflict, with the paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF) currently controlling the airport and embroiled in clashes with the army.
evacuation by road
Sources had earlier told News18 that India is planning to evacuate people by road who are outside the conflict zone and in areas with less violence.
On Saturday, a group of over 150 persons, including Indian nationals, were successfully rescued from Sudan and taken to Jeddah, as confirmed by the Saudi Foreign Ministry. The group included 91 Saudi nationals and 66 individuals from 12 other countries, such as Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Tunisia, Pakistan, India, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, Philippines, Canada and Burkina Faso, all of whom are safe in Saudi Arabia. Arrived.
US, UK and French forces are among several countries that have evacuated embassy staff and their families from the war-torn region.
According to the United Nations, there have been more than 420 deaths and many more injured in the ongoing violence in Sudan. The conflict has raised concerns of further instability and a possible humanitarian crisis in a nation already grappling with significant economic challenges.
(With inputs from PTI)
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