New Delhi: India has started evacuating its nationals from Sudan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday amid continuing violence between rival armed groups.
According to Jaishankar, the evacuation of 500 Indians gathered at Port Sudan is named Operation Cauvery imminent. More evacuations are expected in the coming days as the crisis in Sudan deepens.
The development comes after the US and France recalled their diplomatic personnel from the North African country, which is witnessing fighting between the army and paramilitary forces.
France also took steps to evacuate its citizens and people from several foreign countries. “Last night, two military flight rotations evacuated 388 people from 28 countries, including Indian nationals,” the French Embassy in New Delhi said in a tweet.
The development comes days of intense diplomatic activity from New Delhi. Government officials indicated that India is consulting with the US, UK, Saudi Arabia and the UAE to ensure the safety of its citizens.
Jaishankar also spoke with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt to discuss the situation in Sudan. During a brief visit to New York en route to Latin America, Jaishankar discussed developments in Sudan with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Fighting continues despite reports of a ceasefire agreement being concluded during Eid. Violence erupted on the streets of Sudan, including the capital Khartoum, on 15 Apr 15 following a power struggle between two of the country’s most powerful military figures.
According to the Embassy of India in Sudan, the fighting resulted in the death of an Indian national due to bullet injuries.
According to media reports, some 20,000 people have fled Sudan to neighboring Chad.
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