Sudan crisis: PM Modi directs officials to prepare contingency evacuation plans

PM Modi instructs officials to remain vigilant, closely monitor developments and continuously evaluate safety of Indian citizens in the crisis-hit African nation

| Updated: 21 April, 2023 7:46 pm IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the security situation in Sudan via video conferencing on Friday.

He instructed all relevant officials to remain vigilant, closely monitor developments, continuously evaluate the safety of Indian nationals in Sudan and extend them all possible assistance.

PM Modi also expressed his condolences on the death of an Indian, identified as Albert Augustine, after being hit by a stray bullet in Sudan.

During the meeting, PM 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 over 3,000 Indian citizens presently located throughout the country.

PM Modi directed the preparation of contingency evacuation plans, accounting for the rapidly shifting security landscape and the viability of various options.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, India’s ambassador to Sudan, BS Mubarak, Chief of Naval Staff, Air Chief Marshal Ajit Gupte, Ambassador to Egypt Suhel Khan and other senior officials were present at the meeting.

PM Modi also emphasised the importance of maintaining close communication with neighbouring countries in the region. He also emphasised keeping in contact with countries that have significant numbers of citizens in Sudan.

According to officials, India is already in touch with relevant authorities in Sudan and other key global and regional players to ensure the safety and evacuation of Indians from Sudan.

On Friday, EAM Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in New York, where they discussed Sudan.

He tweeted, “Good to meet UN Secretary General @antonioguterres in New York today afternoon. Discussed the current developments in Sudan, G20 Presidency and Ukraine. 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 UN and other partners in this regard.”

Sudan’s army and paramilitary forces are engaged in a bitter power struggle that has affected the capital Khartoum and surrounding areas. India has advised its citizens in Sudan to shelter in safe places amid the ongoing clashes, which have forced thousands to flee the capital.

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