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By Akshay Dongare: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday said two C-130s aircraft and the naval ship INS Sumedha are on standby as efforts to ensure safe evacuation of Indians stranded in violence-hit Sudan are underway.
The ministry in its latest statement said India is closely monitoring the complex and evolving security situation and is also coordinating closely with various partners for the safe evacuation of Indian nationals.
“As part of our preparations, and in order to move swiftly, the Indian government is pursuing multiple options. Two Indian Air Force C-130J are currently positioned on standby in Jeddah. And, INS Sumedha has reached Port Sudan,” the MEA said.
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“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,” it added.
In Sudan, the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are waging a deadly power struggle across the country. The violence was triggered by disagreement over an internationally backed plan to form a new civilian government four years after the fall of autocrat Omar al-Bashir and two years after the military coup. Both sides accuse the other of thwarting the transition.
According to the official data, the number of Indians in Sudan is around 4,000.
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The MEA said 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,” the ministry said in a statement.
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“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 added.
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