EAM Jaishankar plans to meet UN Secretary-General in New York on Sudan situation

India on Thursday said the ground situation in Sudan is very "tense" and it is in touch with various countries with a key focus on ensuring the safety of Indians in the violence-hit country.

Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi said India is keeping a close watch on developments in Sudan.

He said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to meet the UN Secretary-General in New York on the situation in Sudan. Jaishankar is on his way to four nation trip to Latin America. Earlier this week he spoke with his counterparts from UAE and Saudi Arabia. Both have assured assistance in evacuation.


The safety and security of the Indians is our key focus, Bagchi said. Sudanese Foreign Ministry has reportedly assured India about assistance during any evacuation. Sources said that the ground situation in Sudan was "very tense" and the movement of people was "very risky" at this stage.

When asked whether India is looking at evacuating the Indians in Sudan, he said some plans are being worked out but it will depend on the ground situation. "We are in readiness. We are in close touch with our teams on the ground but it all depends on how long there is a ceasefire in fighting and safe locations available for evacuation."

About 4,000 Indians reside in Sudan, where fighting erupted on Sunday between the army and paramilitary forces. At least 31 Indian nationals from Karnataka are stuck in the conflict-hit country. Earlier this week, former chief minister Siddaramaiah requested Jaishankar to evacuate them.

Bagchi said the Embassy of India in Khartoum was open, functioning, and rendering all services with officials working from separate locations. "Nobody is inside the Embassy building right now," he said,

The MEA on Monday set up a control room to provide information and assistance. The coordinates of the Control Room: Phone: 1800 11 8797 (toll-free), +91-11-23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905, Mobile: +91 9968291988.