The Arab Nation of Sudan has been witnessing deadly fighting between the country’s army and a paramilitary group for the last seven days which has taken a toll of 200 lives.
As many as five million people sheltering in their homes face electricity, water, food and medicines shortages due to indiscriminate firing. The same situation applies to a large number of Indians that are running short of the exact necessities.
On April 20, 2023, the Indian government said that the country’s situation is agitated and focusing on ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian Community, including working on contingency plans and possible evacuation.
The deadly clashes entered their seventh day on Friday, and the External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said the government is in continuous touch with Indians stuck in Sudan.
According to Arindam Bagchi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson said, “The situation on the ground continues to be very tense. Our focus is on ensuring the safety of the individuals. We are in touch with people through different channels.”
On April 23, 2023, sources in the government said that India is coordinating closely with various countries such as the US, UK and Saudi Arabia.
PM Modi to chair the high-level meeting and review the security of Indians in Sudan to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals in violence-hit Sudan.
The Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, has already spoken to his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt on the ground situation in violence-hit Sudan with a focus on ensuring the safety of the Indians.
The MEA, in a statement, said New Delhi is keeping a close watch on the developments besides being in touch with relevant countries. He said any evacuation plan would depend on the ground situation.
An Indian national working in Sudan who got hit by a stray bullet succumbed to his injuries, the Indian Embassy said on April 16, 2023.
Fighting erupted across Khartoum and at other sites in Sudan in a battle between two powerful rival military factions, engulfing the capital in warfare for the first time and raising the risk of a nationwide civil conflict.
Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) agreed to a 72-hour truce from 6 a.m. (0400 GMT) on Friday. Still, residents of Khartoum and its sister city Bahri reported gunfire as Sudanese troops deployed in the towns on foot reported Reuters.
The RSF early on Friday announced a ceasefire after six days of fighting to coincide with the start of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr and to allow residents to reunite with their families.
The MEA, in a statement, said New Delhi is keeping a close watch on the developments besides being in touch with relevant countries. He said any evacuation plan would depend on the ground situation.
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