Situation in Sudan very "tense", focusing on ensuring the safety of Indians: MEA

Describing the situation on the ground in Sudan as very "tense", rendering any movement risky, India on Friday said it was focusing on ensuring the safety of Indians wherever they are located in the country.

Further, speaking about the number of Indians stranded in Sudan, he said that they had “some sense” about this, adding that the Indian authorities were in touch with all of them, including in their local languages and dialects. He also pointed out that EAM Jaishankar had said the government did not want to get into the specifics like “how many” and “where” at this moment due to security reasons.

Bagchi said the Mission in Khartoum has been in contact with the Indian community there through multiple channels, informal and formal. It has issued several advisories. Additionally, a dedicated 24x7 Control Room has been set up in New Delhi for providing information and assistance.

Responding to questions regarding their possible evacuation, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said there were contingency plans in place but it would be premature to discuss these as they would depend on the security situation and connectivity by airport or road.

In response to another question, the MEA Spokesperson said that the citizens of all countries are facing the same difficulty as airports are non-operational and intense fighting is going on in various parts of the country. He said several countries were looking for options to get their citizens and diplomatic personnel out.

He explained that a ceasefire would be an advantage when it comes to getting Indian nationals together in safer areas. He, however, pointed out that, for the moment, there is not much respite from the fighting.

India was in touch with countries in the region and other countries that have a key role to play, including the US, UK, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had already spoken to his counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the UAE in addition to Egypt. The Indian High Commissioner in Washington DC and the High Commissioner in London were in touch with the respective host governments, Bagchi pointed out.

Additionally, EAM Jaishankar who is currently in New York was likely to meet the United Nations Secretary General to discuss the developments in Sudan. The north African country is going through a serious crisis with deadly clashes between the army and the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since last week.

The MEA Spokesperson noted there has been an unfortunate death of one Indian national in Sudan, and the Indian Embassy is in touch with the family of the deceased as well as the medical authorities there.