'Prepare contingency evacuation plans': PM Modi chairs high-level meeting to review security of Indians in Sudan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting on Friday to review the security situation of Indian living in Sudan.

During the meeting, the PM 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 located throughout the country, the Prime Minister’s Office told news agency ANI. 

In addition to assessing the volatile situation on the ground, PM Modi expressed his condolences on the passing away of an Indian national who tragically fell victim to a stray bullet last week. He instructed all relevant officials to remain vigilant, closely monitoring developments and continuously evaluating the safety of Indian nationals in Sudan and extending them all possible assistance, informed PMO.

PM Modi directs contingency evacuations plans

According to PMO, PM Modi further directed the preparation of contingency evacuation plans, accounting for the rapidly shifting security landscape and the viability of various options. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining close communication with neighbouring countries in the region, as well as those with significant numbers of citizens in Sudan.

Violence hit Sudan

Violence is on the rise in the North African country due to fighting that erupted between its army and paramilitary forces.

An unspecified number of Indians are said to be stranded in the country amid the military and political crisis.

Thousands of civilians have fled Sudan's capital Khartoum after fighting escalated in the region.

Spokesperson of MEA said they are in contact with Sudan Indian Embassy

Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the MEA is in contact with the Indian embassy in Sudan.

"This is an issue on which we are keeping a very close watch and the evolving situation there," Bagchi said.

"Our mission in Khartoum is in contact the Indian community there through formal and informal channels. Our embassy has issued several advisories," he added.

A control room has also been opened in New Delhi to address the concerns more efficiently. "We have set up a 24x7 dedicated control room for providing information and assistance," Bagchi informed.

"Most of the calls are being received in Khartoum. However, there are people who are contacting here (MEA office in New Delhi). More than 100 calls have been received in less than 24 hours," Bagchi informed.

On death of one person

On the death of an Indian in Sudan, Bagchi said, "There has been an unfortunate death of one Indian national. His body is currently at a hospital after a lot of effort, we have been able to get that body move from his apartment complex into a mortuary. Our embassy is in touch with the family of the deceased as well as the medical authorities there." "We are engaged with countries in the region and other countries that have a key role to play particularly, the US, UK, Saudi Arabia and the UAE," Bagchi said.

"Our ambassador in Washington DC and High Commission in London are in touch with the respective host governments. We are also working with various UN Bodies that are present since the UN has a significant presence there," he added.

World powers have condemned the situation in Sudan and have called for peace.