Two Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft are on standby in Jeddah as the situation in war-torn Sudan deteriorates following nearly ten days of fighting between the nation’s army and paramilitary forces, and INS Sumedha has also arrived in Port Sudan to evacuate Indians.
Official sources stated the government is making all efforts to assure the safety and security of Indians stuck in Sudan, and that as part of preparations and in order to move quickly, the administration is considering different options. “We are closely monitoring Sudan’s complex and evolving security situation.” “We are also working closely with various partners to ensure the safe movement of Indians who are stranded in Sudan and want to be evacuated,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Sunday.
It also stated that contingency plans are in place, but that any movement on the ground would be contingent on the security situation, which remains volatile, with reports of severe fighting at numerous areas throughout Khartoum. Sudanese airspace is currently banned to all foreign aircraft, the statement continued, adding that “overland movement also poses risks and logistical challenges.”
Official sources claim that the Indian embassy keeps in regular contact with the stranded Indians in Sudan and counsels them on the necessity of safe migration and the value of minimising risk.As soon as the security situation allows for safe movement, “it is also coordinating all possible assistance, including potential exit from Khartoum city,” the source continued.