According to government sources, the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia play a crucial role and are consequently engaged.
To ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals in Sudan, which has been experiencing six days of deadly combat between the country’s army and a paramilitary group, India is coordinating closely with a number of nations.
According to reports, the fighting in Sudan has claimed the lives of approximately 100 individuals. According to government sources, the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia play a crucial role and are consequently engaged.
According to additional sources, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has contacted his counterparts in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, prompting both nations to pledge ground support.
In addition, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the Indian ambassador in Washington, DC, and Vikram Doraiswami, the Indian high commissioner in London, are in contact with their respective host governments.
According to government sources, the United Nations, which has a sizeable presence in Sudan, is also being asked for assistance.
Meanwhile, control centres have been established in New Delhi. “We are in constant contact with our Embassy in Khartoum and receive regular updates on the condition of the Indian community.” According to sources, the Embassy communicates with the community and individuals via multiple channels, including WhatsApp groups.
Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established information and assistance hotlines in light of the current situation in Sudan. These telephone numbers are 1800118797, +91-11-23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905, and +91 9968291988.
“The situation on the street is extremely fraught and movement is extremely dangerous at this time. We prioritise the safety of travel and the well-being of all individuals, regardless of their location. In spite of the fact that both the Ministry and the Embassy are continuously monitoring the situation, safety and security concerns prevent us from releasing specific information,” they added.
Notably, there are approximately 4,000 Indians in Sudan, including 1,200 who relocated there decades ago. In October 2021, the Sudanese military seized power in a coup and has been governing the country through a sovereign council ever since. The Army and the paramilitary have disagreed over the proposed timeline for handing over authority to a civilian government.