In a humanitarian effort, the Indian Air Force has been evacuating its citizens stranded in strife-torn Sudan. As part of Operation Kaveri, Indian citizens are being evacuated from conflict zones in Khartoum and other troubled areas to Port Sudan, from where they are taken to the transit camp in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The camp was set up by the Indian government to facilitate the evacuation process.
The evacuees are being transported to India via commercial flights and Indian Air Force’s heavy-lift transport aircraft. The first batch of 360 evacuees was brought to New Delhi in a commercial plane on Wednesday, followed by the second batch of 246 Indian evacuees, which arrived in Mumbai in a C-17 Globemaster aircraft. The third batch of 392 people was brought back home to New Delhi in another C-17 flight.
So far, 998 Indian citizens have been evacuated from Sudan, according to official data. The Indian embassy in Khartoum has been coordinating with separate control rooms set up in Jeddah and Port Sudan, in addition to being in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs’ headquarters in Delhi.
Sudan has been witnessing deadly fighting between the country’s army and a paramilitary group, leading to the death of around 400 people. India’s swift action to evacuate its citizens from the conflict zone has been lauded by many.
The Indian Air Force has been playing a crucial role in the evacuation process, utilizing its heavy-lift aircraft to transport a large number of people at once. These aircraft are designed to transport troops, cargo, and heavy military equipment, making them ideal for such evacuation missions.
The Indian government has been providing all necessary assistance to its citizens stranded in Sudan, ensuring their safe return to the country. The evacuation process is still ongoing, with more Indian citizens expected to be brought back home in the coming days.