After Saudi, France rescues Indians stranded in conflict-torn Sudan

French diplomatic sources said that five Indians have so far been evacuated by France from conflict-hit Sudan. This comes days after Saudi Arabia announced the safe evacuation of foreign nationals, including Indians, from the country. An A400M aircraft that took off from the French military base in Djibouti rescued the Indians, sources said, adding that three flights have been operated so far, evacuating around 500 people from over 28 countries.

India has launched Operation Kaveri to evacuate its citizens from violence-hit Sudan. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted that the rescue operation is on and around 500 Indians have reached Port Sudan on Monday. The Saudi Foreign Ministry said it evacuated 91 stranded foreign nationals, including 66 from friendly countries, including India. After the operation, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia and UAE. Both countries promised “practical support on the ground”.

In Sudan, the army and paramilitary forces are waging a deadly power struggle. The violence was triggered by disagreements over an internationally supported plan to form a new civilian government four years after the fall of the autocrat, Omar al-Bashir, and two years after a military coup. Both sides accused each other of thwarting the transition.