External Affairs Ministry has said that two Indian Air Force C-130J are on standby in Jeddah as part of preparations to evacuate Indian citizens from Sudan.
The Ministry said that INS Sumedha has also reached Port Sudan. It added that contingency plans are in place but any movement on the ground would 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 and overland movement also has risks and logistical challenges.
Government is making all out efforts to ensure safety and security of Indians stranded in Sudan and is closely monitoring the complex and evolving security situation there. External Affairs Ministry is coordinating closely with various partners for the safe movement of the Indians stranded in Sudan.
Apart from the Sudanese authorities, the Ministry and the Indian Embassy in Sudan are also in regular touch with the United Nations, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and US among others. The 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.