New Delhi: India has put two IAF C-130J aircraft on standby in Jeddah, while Indian Naval ship INS Sumedha has reached the Port of Sudan to evacuate Indian nationals as fighting continues to rage in Sudan, an official statement said.
The situation on the ground in Sudan continues to be volatile with reports of fierce fighting at various locations in Khartoum. The Sudanese airspace is also closed for all foreign aircraft, and overland movement has risks and logistical challenges.
The statement comes two days after the government held a high-level meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the Sudan situation, and examined all options for the safety and security of the over 3,000 Indian nationals in Sudan.
The statement issued today reads: “Government of India is making all out efforts to ensure safety and security of Indians stranded in Sudan. We are closely monitoring the complex and evolving security situation in Sudan.
We are also coordinating closely with various partners for the safe movement of those Indians who are stranded in Sudan and would like to be evacuated.
Apart from the Sudanese authorities, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Sudan are also in regular touch with the UN, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and US among others.
As part of our preparations, and in order to move swiftly, the Government of India is pursuing multiple options. Two Indian Air Force C-130J are currently positioned on standby in Jeddah. And, INS Sumedha has reached Port Sudan.
Contingency plans are in place but any movement on the ground would depend on the security situation, which continues to be volatile with reports of fierce fighting at various locations in Khartoum. Sudanese airspace currently remains closed for all foreign aircraft. Overland movement also has risks and logistical challenges.
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. It is also coordinating all possible assistance including possible exit from Khartoum city as and when the security situation permits safe movement.”
