Ministry of External Affairs launches operation “sankat mochan” to evacuate Indian nationals from war torn South Sudan. General VK Singh heading operation as two C-17 military transport aircrafts to South Sudan’s capital city Juba to evacuate over 300 Indians stranded there.

He is accompanied by Secretary Amar Sinha, JS Satbir Singh and Director Anjani Kumar. The Indian Ambassador in South Sudan Srikumar Menon and his team is organising the operation on the ground.

• India is putting in place an evacuation plan for its nationals from South Sudan, which is witnessing escalated violence due to clashes between anti and pro government forces, and has advised Indians not to travel to the war-torn country.

• The Indian embassy is in regular touch with concerned authorities in India and all options are being considered for providing relief to Indians stranded in Juba. All are requested to keep calm and await further development and further inputs from the embassy.

• According to official data, there are a few hundred Indians in South Sudan. Some of them have set up businesses in Juba and others are working for various companies. A small number of Indian nationals also work in Christian missionary organisations in that country.