- Friday, April 25, 2025
By: Shubham Ghosh
Prime minister Narendra Modi on Friday (21) assessed developments in Sudan, where a fierce battle started on Saturday (15) between its army and paramilitary forces in a power struggle, with a specific focus on safety of more than 3,000 Indian citizens who are stuck in the north African country.
According to an official statement, the prime minister during the high-level meeting asked relevant officials to remain vigilant and closely monitor the developments in Sudan and evaluate safety of the Indian nationals there.
More than 300 people have been killed in the violence, including an Indian, so far while more than 3,000 have been injured.
The prime minister directed preparation of contingency evacuation plans, accounting for the rapidly shifting security landscape and viability of various options.
“During the meeting, prime minister Modi 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 presently located throughout the country,” the statement said.
“The prime minister expressed his condolences on the passing away of an Indian national who tragically fell victim to a stray bullet last week,” it said.
According to the statement, Modi also instructed officials to continuously evaluate the safety of Indian nationals and extend them all possible assistance.
“The prime minister further directed the preparation of contingency evacuation plans, accounting for the rapidly shifting security landscape and the viability of various options,” the statement by the prime minister’s office said.
“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,” it said.
Indian external affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Thursday (20) United Nations secretary general Antonio Guterres in New York and discussed with him, among other things, the situation in Sudan.
The Modi government has faced criticism from the opposition Indian National Congress which has accused it doing little for the Indian nationals, including 31 members of a tribal community from the southern state of Karnataka, in Sudan.
(With PTI inputs)
