India launches Operation Kaveri to evacuate citizens stuck in Sudan

India on Monday launched Operation Kaveri to evacuate Indians stranded in conflict-hit Sudan where clashes have erupted between the Sudanese military and rebel paramilitary forces.

"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 assist all our brethren in Sudan," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted.

Meanwhile, five Indian nationals have been reportedly evacuated from trouble-hit Sudan brought to France's military base in Djibouti, ANI reported citing French diplomatic sources.

On Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs said two C-130s aircraft and the naval ship INS Sumedha are on standby to safely evacuate stranded Indians.

Apart from the Sudanese authorities, the MEA and the Indian Embassy in Sudan are also in regular touch with the UN, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and the US among others, a statement from the MEA said.

As part of our preparations, and in order to move swiftly, the Government of India is pursuing multiple options. Two Indian Air Force C-130J are currently positioned on standby in Jeddah. And, INS Sumedha has reached Port Sudan.

"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. Sudanese airspace currently remains closed for all foreign aircraft," the government said in a statement.

"Overland movement also has risks and logistical challenges. 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," it added.

According to Indian embassy in Khartoum, there are around 2,800 Indian nationals in Sudan. Along with this, 1,200 people have been settled in the country for nearly 150 years.