The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has begun coordinating closely with The Quartet countries to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals in Sudan, amid ongoing clashes between Sudan’s army and paramilitary forces, according to sources familiar with the matter. The Quartet countries of the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE) have a key role and the Ministry of External Affairs is engaging with them accordingly, according to sources. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his counterparts in Saudi Arabia and in UAE. The Indian ambassador in Washington DC and the High Commissioner in London, according to sources, are in contact with their respective host governments. The MEA also collaborates closely with the UN, which has a significant presence in Sudan.
The MEA also established a dedicated Control Room on Monday to assist Indians stranded in Sudan. The Ministry’s officials are also in constant contact with the Indian Embassy in Khartoum and receive regular updates on the status of the Indian community. According to sources, the Embassy is in contact with the community and individuals through a variety of channels, including WhatsApp groups, and that the situation on the street is extremely tense, making movement extremely dangerous at this time. MEA’s top priority is the safety of movement and the well-being of individuals wherever they are.
While the Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy are constantly monitoring the situation, safety and security concerns have prevented them from providing specific details, according to sources.