Sudan Conflict IAF planes, naval ship on standby to evacuate stranded Indians from Sudan: MEA
New Delhi: The Indian government on Sunday said it is 'making all-out efforts' to ensure the safety and security of Indians stranded in conflict-hit Sudan.
The government also said two Indian Air Force C-130J are currently positioned on standby in Jeddah while INS Sumedha has reached Port Sudan to carry out the evacuation process.
The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement: "We are closely monitoring the complex and evolving security situation in Sudan."
"We are also coordinating closely with various partners for the safe movement of those Indians who are stranded in Sudan and would like to be evacuated," read the statement.
"Apart from the Sudanese authorities, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Sudan are also in regular touch with the UN, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and US among others," read the statement.
Speaking on the evacuation issue, the MEA said the Government of India is pursuing multiple options.
"Two Indian Air Force C-130J are currently positioned on standby in Jeddah. And, INS Sumedha has reached Port Sudan," read the statement.
"Contingency plans are in place but any movement on the ground would depend on the security situation, which continues to be volatile with reports of fierce fighting at various locations in Khartoum. Sudanese airspace currently remains closed for all foreign aircraft. Overland movement also has risks and logistical challenges," read the statement.
"Our Embassy is in regular touch with the stranded Indians in Sudan and is advising them on the viability of safe movement and the need to avoid unnecessary risk. It is also coordinating all possible assistance including possible exit from Khartoum city as and when the security situation permits safe movement," it said.
Sudan is witnessing a conflict as conflict broke out between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudan's armed forces on Apr 15.
The World Health Organization reported that at least 413 people have died, while injury estimates are as high as 3,551, reports Fox News.
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