Amid reports that Indians, including 31 people belonging to the Hakki-Pikki community from Karnataka, are stranded in
conflict-torn Sudan, the Centre is coordinating closely with various countries to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals in the African country.
"The Quartet countries of the US, the UK, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have a key role in Sudan and India is engaging them accordingly," PTI quoted government sources.
According to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, he has discussed the situation in Sudan with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. "Thank HH @ABZayed, Foreign Minister of UAE, for the exchange of views on the situation in Sudan. Our continuing contacts are helpful," Jaishankar said in a tweet. The sources said both foreign ministers assured Jaishankar of their practical support on the ground.
Thank HH @ABZayed, Foreign Minister of UAE, for the exchange of views on the situation in Sudan.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 18, 2023
Our continuing contacts are helpful.
India is also working with the UN, which has a substantial presence in Sudan. The MEA and the Indian embassy in the Sudanese capital Khartoum are also continuously monitoring the situation in the African country. "Concerns of safety and security constrain us from putting out specific details," the source cited above said.
The latest development comes a day after a political slugfest erupted between Karnataka Congress leader Siddaramaiah and MEA S Jaishankar over the Indians stranded in Sudan.
After Siddaramaiah claimed that 31 people from Karnataka are stranded in violence-torn Sudan, Jaishankar hit back at the Congress leader asking him not to politicise the issue. "Simply appalled at your tweet! There are lives at stake; don't do politics. Since the fighting started on April 14th, the Embassy of India in Khartoum has been continuously in touch with most Indian Nationals and PIOs in Sudan," the Minister tweeted.
This came after reports that 31 people belonging to the Hakki-Pikki community from Karnataka are stranded in Sudan. The community sells herbs and other medicines from India in Sudan.
"It turns out there is a great demand for low-cost traditional medicines because the people of Sudan are unable to afford 'English medicines', an official said.
"Modern medical treatment is either unavailable to them or is way beyond the reach of the majority of citizens of Sudan. The people were looking for alternative medicine which is effective and cheap. That is when the Hakki-Pikki tribes found an opportunity and reached there," the state government official told PTI.
On Monday, the Indian embassy in Sudan issued a fresh advisory urging Indians not to venture out of their residences and stay calm. An Indian had died in Khartoum after sustaining bullet injuries.
(With inputs from PTI)
