New Delhi: India is coordinating closely with various global players, particularly the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, UAE and the UN, to ensure safety and security of Indians stranded in Sudan where a raging civil war has left nearly 200 dead.
According to sources in the ministry of external affairs (MEA), EAM Dr S Jaishankar has already spoken to his counterparts in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan respectively.
“Both have assured their practical support on the ground,” the sources cited above said, adding that New Delhi is engaging with the Quartet countries who play “key role” in Sudan.
The Indian Ambassador in Washington DC and High Commissioner in London have also been in touch with their respective host governments, they said.
The Indian government has set up a dedicated control room to provide assistance and support to Indian nationals in the country. The situation in Sudan has been described as a “catastrophic humanitarian crisis” by the United Nations, with heavy bombardments and clashes between rival military generals leading to the near collapse of the health system.
According to reports, at least one Indian national named Albert Augestine has died after being hit by a stray bullet as the Sudan army and paramilitary forces fight for control over power.
Sources said the MEA was working to provide regular reports on the status of the Indian community in Sudan with priority being safety and well-being of individuals wherever they are located.
The situation on the streets of Sudan has been described as very tense, with movement being very risky at this stage. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a lack of supplies, including medical supplies, blood bags, oxygen, and other important medicine and surgical kits in up to seven states in Sudan. The situation has been further complicated by conflicting reports on a ceasefire, with agreements to pause the fighting not being fully observed.
“The Indian government continues to monitor the situation closely, while urging Indian nationals in Sudan to exercise caution and follow safety protocols to avoid any harm,” sources stated.
The conflict has so far killed at least 185 people. In the capital Khartoum, the airport has been damaged and tanks were reported on some streets with patients caught in hospitals without proper medicines.
On Tuesday, EAM Dr S Jaishankar and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah sparred on Twitter over the Centre’s alleged inaction in bringing back at least 31 tribals from the southern state. In response to Siddaramaiah’s tweets, the minister said he was “appalled” by the former chief minister’s bid to politicize the sensitive issue.