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Madhavi Gaur
August 26, 2023 12:05
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Operation Kaveri: India has consistently demonstrated its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens, both domestically and internationally. Operation Kaveri is the latest testament to this dedication, as India embarks on a mission to evacuate its citizens from the conflict-ridden Sudan. With a history of successful evacuation operations, India stands firm in its resolve to safeguard its people amidst challenging circumstances.
In the face of the distressing situation unfolding in Sudan, India has launched Operation Kaveri, a heroic rescue mission, to extricate its citizens from the harrowing circumstances. The operation is centered on the evacuation of individuals stranded in the crisis-stricken areas of Sudan.
A recent update from India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, revealed that ‘Operation Kaveri’ has already successfully evacuated 1300 Indian citizens, providing a glimmer of hope in dire times. This article sheds light on the ongoing Operation Kaveri and highlights India’s past evacuation endeavors.
Operation Kaveri: Named after one of India’s prominent rivers, Operation Kaveri is a collaborative endeavor that unites the Indian government and its embassy in Sudan. Its core objective is to ensure the secure return of Indian citizens stranded in regions engulfed by crisis within the country. This initiative, launched on April 24, 2023, emerges as a beacon of assistance in response to the prevailing violence and unrest in Sudan.
To orchestrate the evacuation process seamlessly, a dedicated team of officials, comprising representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Air Force, and the Indian embassy in Sudan, has been assembled under the aegis of the Indian government.
The evacuation mechanism involves transferring stranded Indians from Sudan to the capital city, Khartoum, from where they will be flown back to India.
To facilitate a streamlined evacuation, a transit facility has been established in Jeddah. Overseeing this pivotal task is V Muraleedharan, the Minister of State for External Affairs, who has been entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the safe passage of citizens from Port Sudan.
Operation Kaveri: Sudan’s current turmoil stems from a military takeover and a tenuous power-sharing agreement that resulted in the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019. Subsequent efforts to transition to a democratic government encountered setbacks due to disputes between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Army. The ensuing tensions disrupted the planned transition to elections, culminating in a military coup in October 2021.
Operation Kaveri: In its endeavor to bring citizens back to safety, Operation Kaveri has deployed INS Sumedha, INS Teg, and INS Tarkash, along with two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The results have been promising:
The Indian embassy in Sudan has been proactive in reaching out to the Indian community and issuing advisories. To ensure effective coordination amidst challenges like power outages and network availability, India launched an online registration process. Around 3,100 Indians have registered online, and 300 remain in contact with the mission in Sudan.
In an earnest effort to bring back its citizens, India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, engaged with counterparts from key partner nations such as the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Kingdom.
Additionally, discussions were held with the Secretary General of the United Nations to address the critical matter of repatriating stranded Indians from Sudan.
India’s Operation Kaveri has been set into motion with the primary objective of evacuating its citizens from the unrest-stricken Sudan. As per a tweet by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, the operation is currently underway, with approximately 500 Indians already safely arriving at Port Sudan.
The mission underscores India’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens during times of crisis, extending a helping hand to fellow friendly nations’ citizens as well.
To execute Operation Kaveri efficiently, the Ministry of External Affairs had previously announced the standby status of two C-130s aircraft and INS Sumedha. These assets are being deployed to ensure the secure evacuation of stranded Indians from Sudan. According to official data, around 4,000 Indians are estimated to be in Sudan, necessitating a swift and well-coordinated response.
The successful execution of Operation Kaveri is a result of diplomatic dialogues and collaborations. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), both of whom extended their practical support for the evacuation operation. These diplomatic efforts highlight India’s commitment to fostering international cooperation in times of need.
The ongoing crisis in Sudan is marked by a power struggle between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This conflict stems from disputes surrounding a plan for a new civilian government, following the overthrow of authoritarian leader Omar al-Bashir and a subsequent military coup. The situation has led to violence and instability, prompting India’s proactive response to ensure the safety of its citizens.
India’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens and extending assistance to other nations in times of crisis is exemplified by its history of successful evacuation operations. Notable missions include:
The embassy promptly connected with the Indian community in Sudan, issuing advisories. India initiated an online registration despite challenges like power outages and network issues. Around 3,100 Indians have registered online, with 300 in active communication with the mission.
V Muraleedharan is in Jeddah to receive stranded Indian nationals arriving from Port Sudan. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the matter with counterparts from key countries like the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UK, along with the UN Secretary-General, focusing on repatriating stranded Indians from Sudan.
Understanding Operation Kaveri is crucial for UPSC aspirants, encompassing international relations, crisis management, and evacuation strategies, all part of the UPSC Syllabus. This knowledge aids in answering questions on India’s foreign policy and its commitment to safeguarding citizens abroad. For comprehensive preparation, aspirants can access study materials and coaching from various UPSC Online Coaching platforms like PWonlyIAS, alongside UPSC Mock Tests for effective exam readiness.
Operation Kaveri stands as a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to its citizens’ safety and well-being, even in the face of challenging circumstances. As the operation unfolds, it reflects India’s values of compassion, diplomacy, and prompt action.
The nation’s history of successful evacuation missions showcases its resolve to extend a helping hand to its citizens, regardless of geographical boundaries, fostering a sense of security and unity in times of crisis.
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