PM Modi chairs meeting on situation of Indians in violence-hit Sudan, directs to prepare contingency evacuation plan

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday chaired a high-level meeting via video-conferencing to review the situation of Indians in the violence-hit Sudan.
PM Modi assessed the most recent developments in Sudan and got a first-hand report of the conditions on the ground, with a specific focus on the safety of over 3,000 Indian citizens presently located throughout the country.
He expressed his condolences on the passing away of an Indian national who tragically fell victim to a stray bullet last week.
PM Modi 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.
PM further directed the preparation of contingency evacuation plans, accounting for the rapidly shifting security landscape and the viability of various options.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of maintaining close communication with neighboring countries in the region, as well as those with significant numbers of citizens in Sudan.
The external affairs minister, National Security Advisor, Ambassador of India to Sudan and numerous other senior officials were present in the meeting.
Earlier, India said the situation in Sudan is "very tense" and is focusing on ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community, including working on contingency plans and possible evacuation.

External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar said that India is in continuous touch with Indians in Sudan.

"Our team in Delhi is in continuous touch with the Indians in Sudan, advising them, saying we know it's very difficult for everybody but keep calm and don't take unnecessary risk. I hope that the efforts will yield something very soon," he said.
The conflict is a direct result of a vicious power struggle within the country's military leadership. The clashes are between Sudan's regular army and a paramilitary force called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).