New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today said government has made arrangements for the evacuation of Indians from the war-torn South Sudan.
"We have made all arrangements to evacuate Indians from South Sudan in case the situation deteriorates further," Swaraj said after chairing a high-level meeting to review the situation in the northeastern African country.
Asserting that security of Indians was most important to the government, Swaraj said, "Even if the situation remains ok, we will ask them if they want to return and we will get them out of there."
The meeting was attended by both Ministers of State -- VK Singh and MJ Akbar, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar. They also discussed ways to coordinate emergency assistance to Indian nationals.
According to Swaraj, there are around 600 Indians in South Sudan, of them 450 are in Juba (capital city of South Sudan) and nearly 150 are outside Juba, where the fighting is taking place at present.
South Sudan's capital is witnessing heavy fighting due to clashes between former rebels and government soldiers in several parts of the city.
Yesterday, MEA in its advisory had said Indian nationals desirous of departing for South Sudan may register themselves at the email ID controlroomjuba@gmail.com.
"It is important to have exact number of Indian nationals seeking facility of evacuation to make arrangements. Please be brief," the advisory on assistance for Indian nationals in South Sudan had said.
In case of absence of Internet, please text to +211955589611, +211925502025, +211956942720, +211955318587, it added.
"The security situation in Juba, the capital city of South Sudan, has deteriorated since July 7, 2016. We have reports of gun fire and fighting on the streets of Juba making any movement virtually impossible. Ministry of External Affairs advises all Indian nationals against all travel to South Sudan till situation improves," it added.
With PTI Inputs
