New Delhi, April 25: “Operation Kaveri” a massive exercise to bring back stranded Indians in strife-torn Sudan commenced on Monday late evening.
About 500 Indians who were scattered in different parts of Khartoum and Sudan managed to reach the Port of Sudan from where INS Sumedha, Indian naval ship, will bring them back home.
Another 500 Indians have managed to reach the Sudan-Saudi Arabia border who are expected to reach Jeddah airport.
Two giant C-130 IAF aircrafts have been stationed in Jeddah to bring them back.
“Operation Kaveri has begun. We have made all logistical arrangements to bring our people back,” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told the media in Delhi on Monday late evening.
Indian Embassy in Khartoum has taken upon the task of bringing Indians scattered in different parts of Sudan to one place – either Port of Sudan or Jeddah Airport – whichever is safe in order to evacuate them.
Meanwhile, France has evacuated 388 of its Nationals including five Indians. Some Indians have been evacuated by US too.
“We are in touch with US, Egypt, UAE, UN and Saudi Arabia for assistance. Crossing over the Red sea into Jeddah is one option India is considering from where they can board the aircraft and fly back to India,” Jaishankar explained.
There are about 3000 Indians in Sudan. About 1000 will be evacuated today (Tuesday). Others have been advised to “study the sirustion” and reach Port of Sudan as and when the security situation permits.
EOM
