India’s Operation Kaveri to bring back stranded Indians in Sudan has got underway, with 500 Indians reaching Port Sudan and more on their way, for their journey back home, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar revealed on Monday.

In a tweet, he said “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 assisting all our brethren in Sudan.”

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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has deployed two Indian Air Force C-130J planes, positioned on standby in Jeddah, while a Naval ship Sumedha has reached Port Sudan. There are about 3000 Indians stranded in Sudan.

The MEA has stated it is “closely monitoring the complex and evolving security situation in Sudan.” All out efforts are being made to ensure safety and security of the stranded Indians in Sudan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday had reviewed the situation and directed preparation of contingency evacuation plans, keeping in view the rapidly shifting security landscape and the viability of various options. Besides the External Affairs Minister, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Ambassador of India to Sudan B S Mubarak took part in the discussions.

Apart from the Sudanese authorities, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Sudan are in regular touch with the UN, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and US among others.

“We are also coordinating closely with various partners for the safe movement of those Indians who are stranded in Sudan and would like to be evacuated,” the MEA said.

As part of the preparations, and in order to move swiftly, the Government of India is pursuing multiple options. The MEA said the contingency plans are in place, but any movement on the ground would depend on the security situation, which continues to be volatile with reports of fierce fighting at various locations in Khartoum.

The Sudanese airspace currently remains closed for all foreign aircraft. Overland movement also has risks and logistical challenges, the MEA said.

“Our Embassy is in regular touch with the stranded Indians in Sudan and is advising them on the viability of safe movement and the need to avoid unnecessary risk. It is also coordinating all possible assistance including possible exit from Khartoum city as and when the security situation permits safe movement,” the MEA had stated.

As the internal strife continued in Sudan, one Indian had fallen victim to stray bullets. The Prime Minister directed officials to  continuously evaluate the safety of Indian nationals and extend them all possible assistance.