New Delhi: India is coordinating closely with various countries to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals in violence-hit Sudan, government sources said on Wednesday. They said the ground situation in that country is very tense and movement of people is very risky at this stage. Sudan has been witnessing deadly fighting between the country's army and a paramilitary group for the last six days that has reportedly left around 100 people dead. The sources said India's priority is safety of movement and well being of individuals wherever they are located.
They said that the Quartet countries of the US, the UK, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have a key role in Sudan and India is engaging them accordingly. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has already spoken to his counterparts in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The sources said both the foreign ministers assured Jaishankar of their practical support on the ground.
India is also working with the UN, which has a substantial presence in Sudan. The sources said the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian embassy in Sudanese capital Khartoum are continuously monitoring the situation in the African country. "Concerns of safety and security constrain us from putting out specific details," the source cited above said.
Earlier, a US diplomatic convoy was fired on in Sudan amid clashes by generals in the violence-hit country, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was quoted as saying by ABC News. Speaking to reporters in Japan after the G7 talks, the US Secretary of State mentioned that all Americans are safe. He condemned the action, calling it 'reckless'.
"I can confirm that yesterday we had an American diplomatic convoy that was fired on. All of our people are safe and unharmed. But this action was reckless, it was irresponsible and of course unsafe," he told reporters. Blinken in the meantime has spoken to the Sudanese Armed Forces Commander Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces Commander Dagalo and expressed the need to put in place a ceasefire.
Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar also took to Twitter to clarify that he has on Wednesday night spoken to counterparts in Saudi Arabia and UAE, and both have assured their practical support on the ground. "Spoke to Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Faisal bin Farhan just now. Appreciated his assessment of the Sudan situation. Will remain in close touch," the MEA wrote in his tweet. (With agency inputs)
