The first batch of Indians stuck in Sudan left the nation onboard India’s naval ship INS Sumedha as part of the ‘Operation Kaveri’ evacuation effort.
On Monday, India initiated ‘Operation Kaveri’ to repatriate its citizens from Sudan. A power struggle between the regular army and a paramilitary group has resulted in brutal conflict.
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said a total of 278 people onboard the ship and departed from Port Sudan for the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah.
Mr. Bagchi tweeted, “First batch of stranded Indians leave Sudan under #OperationKaveri. INS Sumedha with 278 people onboard departs Port Sudan for Jeddah.”
On Sunday, India said that it has positioned two IAF transport planes in Jeddah and the naval ship INS Sumedha at Port Sudan as part of its contingency measures to evacuate the stranded Indians.
The Centre said on Sunday that it was seeking numerous alternatives to remove the 3,000 Indian citizens who were stuck in Sudan, describing the security situation as complex and developing.
On Friday, the ministry stated that it will focus on the safety of approximately 3,000 Indian citizens who are temporarily scattered across Sudan.
According to the MEA, India has also placed two IAF C-130Js on standby in Jeddah. Soon after the INS Sumedha left Port Sudan with 278 Indians on board, the INS Teg joined Operation Kaveri and arrived at the port with additional authorities and vital relief supplies for stranded Indians.
Officials of MEA claimed INS Teg will boost ongoing evacuation efforts by Embassy Camp Office at Port Sudan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the operation is being overseen by V Muraleedharan, the Minister of State for External Affairs. Some Indians were already evacuated from Sudan during operations launched by other countries, including Saudi Arabia and France, for their own citizens.