Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructed all officials concerned to remain vigilant, closely monitor the developments and continuously evaluate the safety of Indians in Sudan, according to the official statement released by Prime Minister’s Office.
He made the remarks while chairing a meeting on Friday in the aftermath of the Sudan crisis that has put the lives of thousands of Indians in the capital city of Khartoum at stake. Over 3,000 Indians are currently stuck in the crisis-hit nation.
“Prime Minister Modi instructed all relevant officials to remain vigilant, closely monitoring developments and continuously evaluating the safety of Indian nationals in Sudan and extending them all possible assistance. The Prime Minister further directed the preparation of contingency evacuation plans, accounting for the rapidly shifting security landscape and the viability of various options,” the statement read.
PM Modi emphasised the importance of maintaining close communication with neighbouring countries in the Sudan region as well as those with significant numbers of citizens in Sudan.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, India’s ambassador to Sudan, BS Mubarak and numerous other senior officials were present at the briefing.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi assessed the most recent developments in Sudan and received a first-hand report of the conditions on the ground, with a specific focus on the safety of Indian citizens presently located throughout the country.
During the meeting, PM Modi expressed his condolences on the passing away of an Indian, who tragically fell victim to a stray bullet last week.
A week earlier, the Indian Embassy in Sudan informed that an Indian working in a Dal Group Company in Sudan, identified as Albert Augestine, was killed by a stray bullet.
The Indian Embassy in Sudan, tweeted, “The embassy is in touch with family and medical authorities to make further arrangements.”
Meanwhile, United Nations: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has discussed the worsening situation in Sudan with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and underscored the need for “successful diplomacy,” which can lead to an early ceasefire and create the ground situation for the safety and welfare of people in the strife-torn African nation.
Jaishankar, who met Guterres at the UN headquarters here on Thursday, also discussed other issues, including India’s presidency of the G20 and the Ukraine conflict, with the UN chief.
“Good to meet UN Secretary General @antonioguterres in New York today afternoon. Discussed the current developments in Sudan, G20 Presidency and Ukraine,” he tweeted.
“Focus understandably was on Sudan. India strongly supports efforts towards an early ceasefire, leading to creation of safe corridors. Will continue to work closely with the UN and other partners in this regard,” he said.
More than 300 people, including an Indian national, have been killed since intense fighting erupted in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum and elsewhere in the country on Saturday.
The conflict is a direct result of a vicious power struggle within the country’s military leadership.
The clashes are between Sudan’s regular army and a paramilitary force called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
India on Thursday said the situation in Sudan is “very tense” and is focusing on ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community, including working on contingency plans and possible evacuation.
