NEW DELHI: Two Indian Air Force C-130 are at the moment on standby in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah and INS Sumedha has reached Port Sudan, the exterior affairs ministry mentioned on Sunday whereas giving particulars of preparations to evacuate Indians from conflict-hit Sudan.
“The government is making all out efforts to ensure safety and security of Indians stranded in Sudan. We are closely monitoring the complex and evolving security situation in Sudan,” mentioned the MEA.
“We are also coordinating closely with various partners for the safe movement of those Indians who are stranded in Sudan and would like to be evacuated.”
Apart from the Sudanese authorities, the MEA and the Indian Embassy in Sudan are additionally in common contact with the UN, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and US amongst others.

On Saturday, Saudi Arabia evacuated round 150 individuals from Sudan within the first search operation. Around 91 have been Saudi nationals and 66 have been overseas nations, together with some Indians. The individuals have been evacuated by way of a naval ship.
‘Overland motion poses dangers’
“As part of our preparations, and in order to move swiftly, the Centre is pursuing multiple options. Two Indian Air Force C-130 are currently positioned on standby in Jeddah and INS Sumedha has reached Port Sudan,” acknowledged the MEA.

“Contingency plans are in place but any movement on the ground will depend on the security situation, which continues to be volatile with reports of fierce fighting at various locations in Khartoum. Sudanese airspace currently remains closed for all foreign aircraft. Overland movement also has risks and logistical challenges,” mentioned the ministry.
“Our Embassy is in regular touch with the stranded Indians in Sudan and is advising them on the viability of safe movement and the need to avoid unnecessary risk. It is also coordinating all possible assistance including possible exit from Khartoum city as and when the security situation permits safe movement,” it added.