Watch: PM interacts with members of Hakki Pikki tribe evacuated from Sudan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday interacted with members of the Hakki Pikki tribe who were evacuated from Sudan through Operation Kaveri, in Shivamogga.

The evacuees profusely thanked the Prime Minister for the proactive steps taken by the government in ensuring their timely and safe evacuation, officials said, adding that they recounted the tough circumstances that they faced in Sudan and how the government and the Indian Embassy had ensured their safety. The evacuees expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, saying the government ensured that they escaped "without a scratch", an official said.

The Prime Minister recalled to the tribal people how their forefathers had stood alongside 16th century ruler Maharana Pratap, and stressed that if any Indian anywhere in the whole world was in any kind of difficulty, the government would not rest until the problem was resolved. "Some politicians tried to politicise the issue, and our concern was that if they expose where Indians are hidden, they may face greater danger. So the government worked quietly to ensure everyone's safety," Modi was quoted as saying.

The Prime Minister asked the Hakki Pikki people to remember the strength of the country which had stood up for them, and asked them to always be ready to help those in trouble and contribute to society and country. The evacuees told the Prime Minister about how people in foreign countries had faith in Indian medicines and become happy on hearing that they are from India, the officials said.

Recently, a Twitter war had erupted between former Congress Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar after the former posted a series of tweets urging the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP ministers to ensure the safe return of the tribe.

"It is reported that 31 people from Karnataka belonging to Hakki Pikki tribe, are stranded in Sudan which is troubled by civil war. I urge @PMOIndia@narendramodi, @HMOIndia, @MEAIndia and @BSBommai to immediately intervene & ensure their safe return," tweeted Siddaramaiah.

Siddaramiah claimed that Hakki Pikkis in Sudan were left stranded without food and accused the Centre that it was yet to initiate action to bring them back.

"@BJP4India govt should immediately open diplomatic discussions & reach out to international agencies to ensure the well-being of Hakki Pikkis," tweeted Siddaramaiah.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar came down hard on Siddaramaiah and tweeted, "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,"

Jaishankar said plans regarding them have to take into account a "very complicated" security scenario and that the Indian embassy in Sudan is in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs over the situation in that country.

"It is grossly irresponsible of you to politicize their situation. No electoral goal justifies endangering Indians abroad," he said.