New Delhi:The first batch of Indians stranded in Sudan has departed for Jeddah onboard INS Sumedha, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday. The evacuation of Indians from the violence-hit Sudan is being carried out under Operation Kaveri.
"First batch of stranded Indians leave Sudan under Operation Kaveri, INS Sumedha with 278 people onboard departs Port Sudan for Jeddah," the MEA spokesperson said. On Monday, around 500 Indians had reached Port Sudan with the Indian government putting two C-130J military transport aircraft on standby in Jeddah, while an Indian Navy ship reached a key port in the region.
On Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had tweeted about the rescue operation. “Operation Kaveri gets underway to bring back our citizens stranded in Sudan. About 500 Indians have reached Port Sudan. More on their way. Our ships and aircraft are set to bring them back home. Committed to assisting all our brethren in Sudan," he tweeted.
It is pertinent to mention that the MEA had earlier stated that contingency plans for evacuation were put in place, but any movement on the ground will depend on the security situation. The security situation in Sudan continues to be volatile, with reports of fierce fighting coming from various locations in the capital city of Khartoum.
The MEA has assured that India is making all-out efforts to ensure the safety and security of Indians stranded in Sudan. The Indian embassy in Sudan is in regular touch with the Sudanese authorities, the UN, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and the US, among others.The MEA has stated that the Government of India is pursuing multiple options to ensure swift evacuation.
The Sudanese airspace is currently closed for all foreign aircraft, and overland movement also has risks and logistical challenges. Operation Kaveri has been launched to bring back around 500 Indians who have already reached Port Sudan, and more are on their way. India is committed to assisting all its brethren in Sudan and is closely monitoring the complex and evolving security situation in the country.
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