US, France and Germany dial India to get their citizens out of Yemen

NEW DELHI: US, besides economically developed France, Germany and Sweden, besides 22 nations have sought India's assistance to evacuate its citizens from violence hit Yemen.

An US government travel advisory for Yemen pointed out that India would offer its assistance to evacuate American citizens from Sanna to Djibouti. The US citizens have been advised to contact Indian diplomats in Embassy at Sanna for assistance for evacuation either by boat or air.
This is significant considering the fact that the US has strong naval presence as well as deployment of its Air Force in West Asia. France also has presence of its Navy in the region to counter piracy.



(Indian nationals being treated by Navy doctors on board INS Mumbai. Image source: Ministry of Defence)

Diplomatic sources told ET that Indian assistance has been sought due to the country's geographical location and wherewithal to undertake evacuation.

Requests for Indian assistance in evacuation from Yemen keeps growing. On last count 26 requests received. pic.twitter.com/hn3TScsvFh

— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) April 6, 2015

It has so far evacuated over 2,000 out of its 4,000 citizens in Yemen besides some Persons of Indian origin there.
"Roles have reversed with countries like USA are seeking India's assistance in violence hit region," a source pointed out.
An Indian Navy official escorts a child and her mother on board INS Mumbai
(Image source: Ministry of Defence)

Other countries that have sought India's assistance in evacuation include Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Romania, Singapore and other countries in Southeast Asia and Europe.

Colleagues @SushmaSwaraj & @Gen_VKSingh (who has been on the ground for days), have co-ordinated evacuation efforts in an exemplary manner.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2015