Sudan conflict: PM Modi chairing crucial meet as 4,000 Indians stranded in crisis-hit nation

The meeting is attended by EAM Jaishankar, Secretary CPV Ausaf Saeed, and important ambassadors from the Gulf countries who could play a critical role in assisting the evacuation of Indians, India Today reported.

For the past week, Sudan has been experiencing violent clashes between its army and a paramilitary group resulting in an estimated death toll of 200 civilians.

Indiscriminate gunfire has disrupted essential supplies such as food, water, medicine, and electricity for Indians in Sudan.

The situation has also affected approximately five million people who are currently confined to their homes without access to vital resources, and communication channels have been severely disrupted.

As the deadly clashes enter their seventh day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed that the government is maintaining constant communication with Indians who are stranded in Sudan.

The Indian government has expressed concern over the tense situation in the country and is prioritizing the safety and well-being of its citizens, including developing contingency plans and exploring the possibility of evacuation.

“The situation on the ground continues to be very tense. Our focus is on ensuring the safety of the individuals. We are in touch with people through different channels,” said Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs.

According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), New Delhi is closely monitoring the situation in Sudan and maintaining communication with relevant countries.

The MEA added that any potential evacuation plans for Indian citizens will be contingent upon the conditions on the ground.

On Wednesday, government sources said that India is collaborating with several countries, including the US, UK, and Saudi Arabia, to ensure the security and well-being of Indian citizens amidst the ongoing violence in Sudan.

Foreign Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has already held discussions with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt to address the situation in Sudan and emphasize the importance of protecting Indian citizens.

The Quartet countries of US, UK, Saudi Arabia and UAE have a key role and we are engaging them accordingly, said sources.

“Our Ambassador in Washington DC and High Commissioner in London are in touch with their respective host governments. We are also working with UN, which has a substantial presence in Sudan,” the sources added.

In New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs has set up a dedicated Control Room.

The MEA is in continuous touch with the Indian Embassy in Khartoum and is getting regular reports of the status of the Indian community.

The embassy in turn is in touch with the Indian community and individuals through multiple methods including WhatsApp groups, the sources added.

On Tuesday, amid the escalating fighting in Sudan, the Indian Embassy said that it has come across many instances of looting and urged Indian nationals not to venture out and ration their supplies.

Senior Congress leader from Karnataka Siddaramaiah had on Tuesday urged PM Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safe return of Kannadigas in Sudan.

He claimed that 31 people from Karnataka’s Hakki Pikki tribe are stuck in Sudan and nothing is being done to evacuate them.

Last Sunday, an Indian national was killed when he was hit by a stray bullet in Khartoum amid the clashes between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary.