PM Modi for rescue plans to save Indians in Sudan

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting online to review the security situation in Sudan, during which he “assessed the most recent developments in the crisis-hit African nation, and received a first-hand report of the conditions on the ground, focusing on the safety of over 3,000 Indian citizens currently in the country.”

The Prime Minister also called for contingency evacuation plans to be prepared, accounting for the rapidly shifting security landscape and the viability of various options,” the Centre said in a statement.

India is looking at various options, including evacuation of stranded Indians through the air and sea route, if the security situation allows it, and has expressed support for the “creation of safe corridors.”

External affairs minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, who is currently on an official visit to four Latin American countries, en route to New York, participated in the online meeting along with senior functionaries of other ministries as well as senior officers of the armed forces. Jaishankar also met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and discussed the situation in Sudan. “Focus understandably was on Sudan. India strongly supports efforts towards an early ceasefire, leading to the creation of safe corridors. Will continue to work closely with the UN and other partners in this regard,” Jaishankar tweeted.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting today to review the security situation in Sudan via video-conferencing. The external affairs minister, national security advisor, Ambassador of India to Sudan and numerous other senior officials were present at the briefing. The Prime Minister instructed all relevant officials to remain vigilant, closely monitor the developments and continuously evaluate the safety of Indian nationals in Sudan and extend all possible assistance.”

“The Prime Minister further directed the preparation of contingency evacuation plans, accounting for the rapidly shifting security landscape and the viability of various options. The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of maintaining close communication with neighbouring countries in the region, as well as those with significant numbers of citizens in Sudan,” the statement added.

The Government further said, “During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi assessed the most recent developments in Sudan and received a first-hand report of the conditions on the ground, with a specific focus on the safety of over 3,000 Indian citizens presently located throughout the country. The Prime Minister expressed his condolences on the passing away of an Indian national who was hit by a stray bullet last week.”

India had earlier on Thursday said it was “making contingency plans”, hinting at a possible evacuation effort if required, which would depend on the security situation in Sudan and the availability of the airport in the African nation to carry out such a mission. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at his weekly briefing on Thursday evening that Indian diplomats are in touch with Indian nationals in Sudan and have connected with them in their “local languages”, adding that “movement in the street” in Sudan is currently unsafe and that the situation is “very tense”. India is also in touch with several nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt on the situation in Sudan.