India successfully evacuated 3,862 of its citizens from violence-hit Sudan through ‘Operation Kaveri’, which has now concluded. The operation involved setting up a transit facility at the International Indian School in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which provided comfort to the evacuees and served as the nerve center for planning their onward movement to India.
The External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, confirmed the return of 47 passengers on an Indian Air Force (IAF) C130 J flight and lauded PM Modi for inspiring the operation through his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all Indians abroad.
Jaishankar also thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting and facilitating the evacuation process. The flight from Wadi Sayyidna, executed at great risk, also deserves recognition. The EAM appreciated the support of Chad, Egypt, France, South Sudan, UAE, the UK, the USA, and the UN. He recognized the contribution of his colleague, @MOS_MEA, whose presence on the ground was a source of strength and reassurance.
The Indian government launched ‘Operation Kaveri’ to rescue its citizens from conflict-torn Sudan. Last year, India conducted rescue operations for its citizens in Ukraine and Afghanistan. Through this operation, India successfully evacuated around 4,000 of its citizens from Sudan.
Interestingly, the choice of naming the operation ‘Operation Kaveri’ has significant implications. It follows PM Modi’s decision to name the operation in Ukraine ‘Operation Ganga’. The Ganges is not only a large body of water but is also revered in India. ‘Operation Devi Shakti’ was the name given to India’s rescue operation during the Taliban’s attack on Afghanistan.
This year, India launched ‘Operation Dost’, which sent rescue and relief supplies to earthquake-ravaged Turkey and Syria. Canine teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) went into the disaster zone to carry out rapid relief operations.
The Indian government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens abroad is commendable. The efforts of everyone involved in ‘Operation Kaveri’ were lauded by Jaishankar, who applauded the spirit, perseverance, and courage of all those involved. The Indian Embassy in Khartoum showed exceptional dedication during this difficult time. The efforts by #TeamIndia stationed in Saudi Arabia and the MEA Rapid Response Cell coordinating in India were also commendable.
The evacuation of Indian citizens stranded in Sudan highlights the importance of governments’ prompt and effective response to crisis situations. It is heartening to see that the Indian government has risen to the occasion and brought its citizens home safely.
