राजनीति

Sudan Conflict: Prepare Contingency Evacuation Plan, Closely Monitor Situation, PM Modi Directs Officials

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday presided over a high-level conference to assess the security condition of Indians stuck in Sudan, where fighting between the army and a paramilitary force has killed more than 300 people. According to a press statement issued by PIB, Prime Minister Modi directed that all relevant officials be attentive, constantly monitoring developments and continuously assessing the safety of Indian people in Sudan and offering all available aid to them. The Prime Minister also instructed the development of contingency evacuation plans, taking into consideration the quickly changing security picture and the practicality of alternative options.

During the discussion, Prime Minister Modi examined the most recent events in Sudan and heard a first-hand assessment on the situation on the ground, with a particular emphasis on the safety of nearly 3,000 Indian citizens who are currently scattered around the country.

The Prime Minister conveyed his sympathies on the death of an Indian person who was killed by a stray gunshot last week.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the necessity of keeping strong connection with neighbouring nations in the area, as well as those with a large number of Sudanese residents.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra were among those who participated in the video-conference meeting with the Prime Minister.

Today's meeting was also attended by India's Ambassador to Sudan, B S Mubarak, as well as envoys from Egypt and Riyadh.

The conference was attended by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar.

Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (Consular, Passport, Visa, and Overseas Indian Affairs), MEA, was also present at the high-level meeting.

An undisclosed number of Indians are currently alleged to be trapped in Sudan due to the military and political situation. Thousands of residents have left Sudan's capital, Khartoum, as conflict in the region has erupted.

According to reports, around 350 individuals have been slain in the conflict, including an Indian.

Fighting has erupted between soldiers loyal to Sudanese army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, paramilitary Rapid Support soldiers (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

The war began in 2021, when a coup between Sudan's military chief and his deputy on the ruling council erupted, destabilising a plan for a civilian democracy following the demise of longstanding tyrant Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Elections were scheduled to take place before the end of 2023.