AN IMPECCABLE FORCE FOR HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT

Indian Air Force has emerged as a reliable first responder for undertaking aid and rescue during any calamity under HADR operations

India has launched Operation ‘Kaveri’ to evacuate stranded Indian nationals from crisis ridden Sudan that has been witnessing fierce fighting. The fighting had erupted in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere in the country as a direct result of a vicious power struggle within the country’s military leadership, following a power struggle between the Regular Army and the Rapid Support Forces’ Paramilitary force. At least 450 people are reportedly killed in the armed clashes while thousands have been hurt.

Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had chaired a meeting to review the situation in Sudan and had asked for “contingency evacuation plans” to be readied for Indians stuck there.

At the time of going to Press, more than 700 Indian nationals have reached Port Sudan and there are more on their way. About 350 have reached New Delhi. The External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has assured that Indian aircraft and ships are set to bring Indians back safely.

OPERATION ‘KAVERI’ 

Indian Government launched operation codenamed Operation ‘Kaveri’ aimed to evacuate its citizens from the clashes ravaged country. About 3,000 Indians were estimated to be stranded in Sudan when a conflict broke out about 12 days ago.

Indian Government announced that it is “committed to assist all our brethren in Sudan” and launched a joint operation of undertaking evacuation of stranded citizens by Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft and Indian Navy (IN) ships.

In simultaneous operations the IN has deployed INS Sumedha, a Patrol vessel that evacuated 278 citizens on Wednesday April 25, 2023, followed by INS Teg.