Two C-130J aircraft, INS Sumedha on standby to evacuate citizens in conflict-hit Sudan: MEA

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Two Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft are currently on standby in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah and INS Sumedha has reached Port Sudan, the external affairs ministry said on Sunday while giving details of preparations to evacuate Indians from conflict-hit Sudan.

“The government is making all out efforts to ensure safety and security of Indians stranded in Sudan. We are closely monitoring the complex and evolving security situation in Sudan,” said the MEA.

“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.”

Apart from the Sudanese authorities, the MEA and the Indian Embassy in Sudan are also in regular touch with the UN, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and US among others.

On Saturday, Saudi Arabia evacuated around 150 people from Sudan in the first search operation. Around 91 were Saudi nationals and 66 were foreign nations, including some Indians. The people were evacuated via a naval ship.

‘Overland movement poses risks’

“As part of our preparations, and in order to move swiftly, the Centre is pursuing multiple options. Two Indian Air Force C-130 are currently positioned on standby in Jeddah and INS Sumedha has reached Port Sudan,” stated the MEA.

“Contingency plans are in place but any movement on the ground will 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,” said the ministry.

“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.

Sudan is facing violence due to fighting between the army and the paramilitary forces. Fighting between two rival military factions – the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues in Sudan despite a 72-hour truce declared for Eid, CNN reported. On Saturday, Loud explosions and clashes were reported, mainly near the military headquarters and presidential palace in Khartoum. (TOI)