What is Operation Kaveri? India kicks off plan to evacuate citizens stranded in Sudan
Operation Kaveri: As the situation deteriorates in Sudan, the Indian Government has kicked off 'Operation Kaveri' to evacuate its citizens from the clash-ridden country. Notably, several Indians have been stranded in the middle of deadly clashes between Sudan's army and paramilitary forces.
On Monday afternoon, 500 people reached the port under Operation Kaveri.
According to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, India's ships and aircraft are all set to evacuate stranded Indians from Sudan. On Monday afternoon, 500 people reached the port under Operation Kaveri.
"Operation Kaveri gets underway to bring back our citizens stranded in Sudan. About 500 Indians have reached Port Sudan. More on their way. Our ships and aircraft are set to bring them back home. Committed to assist all our brethren in Sudan," EAM said on Twitter.
What is Operation Kaveri?
In the series of evacuations held by India over the last few years, Operation Kaveri is the recent edition to rescue its nationals in crisis-hit Sundan. Last year, under Operation Ganga, India rescued its nationals from war-hit Ukraine.
India aims to bring back 3,000 of its nationals who are currently in Sudan through this operation.
Also Read | Indians stuck in Sudan: Madhya Pradesh issues helpline number for citizens
To evacuate Indians, the government has already dispatched two Indian Air Force (IAF) planes and a Navy ship.
“As part of our preparations, and in order to move swiftly, the Government of India is pursuing multiple options. Two Indian Air Force C-130J are currently positioned on standby in Jeddah. And, INS Sumedha has reached Port Sudan,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
Moreover, several Indians were also included in the 388 people taken to safety by France on Sunday night, the Embassy informed.
"French evacuation operations are underway. Last night, two military flight rotations evacuated 388 people from 28 countries, including Indian nationals." the tweet added.
Apart from Sudanese authorities, the MEA and the Indian Embassy in Sudan have been maintaining regular contact with the UN, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and the United States, among others. On Saturday, Saudi Arabia evacuated 157 people, including Indians.
Also Read | Explained: Reason behind Sudan conflict and what's at stake
- PTC NEWS
