Prepare evacuation plans: PM at meeting on Sudan conflict

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday directed officials to prepare contingency evacuation plans for Indian nationals in strife-torn Sudan, assessing the viability of various options.

Chairing a high-level meeting via video-conferencing on the north-east African nation where fighting is going on between two factions of the country's military leadership, the prime minister asked officials to remain vigilant, closely monitor developments and continuously evaluate the safety of Indian nationals and extend them all possible assistance, according to an official statement.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar, national security advisor Ajit Doval and several other senior officials attended the briefing. India's ambassador to Sudan B S Mubarak and the envoys to Egypt and Saudi Arabia also participated.


Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar and secretary (consular, passport, visa & overseas Indian affairs) at MEA Ausaf Sayeed were also present at the meeting. The UAE and Saudi Arabia, who have close ties with Sudan, have assured all possible help in the evacuation of Indian nationals.

During the meeting, the prime minister assessed the most recent developments in Sudan and received a first-hand report of the conditions on the ground, with specific focus on the safety of over 3,000 Indian citizens located throughout the country, according to the statement.

The prime minister expressed his condolences on the death of an Indian national who was hit by a stray bullet in Sudan last week.

The prime minister also emphasised the importance of maintaining close communication with neighbouring countries in the region, as well as those with significant numbers of citizens in Sudan.