India coordinating very closely with Saudi, UAE, US, UK on safety of Indians in Sudan
New Delhi, Apr 19 :The situation in Sudan is very tense and India is coordinating closely with various countries to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals there. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has spoken with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia and UAE in the context, and both have assured their practical support on the ground, sources said.
The Quartet countries of US, UK, Saudi Arabia and UAE have a key role and we are engaging them accordingly, said sources.
“Our Ambassador in Washington DC and High Commissioner in London are in touch with their respective host Governments. We are also working with UN, which has a substantial presence in Sudan,” the sources added.
In New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs has set up a dedicated Control Room. The MEA is in continuous touch with the Embassy in Khartoum and is getting regular reports of the status of the Indian community.
The Embassy in turn is in touch with the Indian community and individuals through multiple methods including WhatsApp groups, the sources added.
The situation on the street in Sudan is very tense and movement is very risky at this stage.
“Our priority is safety of movement and the well-being of individuals where ever they are located,” the sources added.
“While both the Ministry and the Embassy are continuously monitoring the situation, concerns of safety and security constrain us from putting out specific details,” the sources said.
On Tuesday late night, EAM Jaishankar in tweets spoke about his telephonic conversation with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
“Thank HH @ABZayed, Foreign Minister of UAE, for the exchange of views on the situation in Sudan.
“Our continuing contacts are helpful.”
“Spoke to Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, HH @FaisalbinFarhan just now.
“Appreciated his assessment of the Sudan situation. Will remain in close touch,” he said in tweets.
On Tuesday, amid the escalating fighting in Sudan, the Indian Embassy said that it has come across many instances of looting and urged Indian nationals not to venture out and ration their supplies.
In a tweet, the Indian Embassy also asked the Indians in Sudan to remain indoors.
“We have come across many instances of looting. All Indian nationals are advised please not to venture out. Please ration your supplies. The situation may continue for a few more days. Please try to take help from your neighbours. Please stay at home and remain safe,” it said.
On Sunday, an Indian national was killed when he was hit by a stray bullet in Khartoum amid the clashes between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary.
On Tuesday, EAM Jaishankar said the Indian Embassy in Khartoum is in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the 31 members of the Hakki Pikki tribe who are stranded in Sudan.
“Plans regarding them have to take into account a very complicated security scenario. The Embassy is in constant touch with the Ministry in that regard,” he said.
The EAM got into a spat on Twitter with senior Karnataka Congress leader Siddaramaiah, who alleged the central government was yet to do anything to help the members of the Hakki Pikki tribe return to India.