600 Indians in war-torn South Sudan, ready to evacuate, says Sushma Swaraj
Swaraj said there are 450 Indians in Juba, the capital of South Sudan and about 150 outside the city.
New Delhi: There are 600 Indians in war-torn South Sudan and the Indian government has made arrangements to evacuate them, Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj said today after a meeting with junior ministers VK Singh and MJ Akbar and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar.
They also discussed ways to coordinate emergency assistance to the Indian nationals in the African country.
Swaraj said there are 450 Indians in Juba, the capital of South Sudan and about 150 outside the city. There was heavy fighting between rebels and government soldiers concentrated in Juba over the last four days, but a ceasefire announced yesterday appears to be holding till this evening, media reports say.
"We have made all arrangements to evacuate Indians from South Sudan in case the situation deteriorates further," said Swaraj, also noting that the situation has reportedly improved.
On Twitter the minister, famous for her prompt replies and help, was kept busy through the day answering requests for help with supplies or medicine in south Sudan.
Pl do not worry. Insulin/medicines will reach them tommow. /2 @eoijuba @nehahimesh @isidhanth @krizzmenon
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 11, 2016
She assured actor Akshay Kumar who tweeted her to take speedy measures for evacuation of Indians.
Akshay Kumar ji - Pl do not worry. We are evacuating Indian nationals from Juba (South Sudan). https://t.co/Ppj3ojcIlm
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 12, 2016
The government had on Monday issued an advisory against travelling to South Sudan till the situation improves.