India’s evacuation diplomacy – Express View on Sudan crisis: Indian government’s efforts to evacuate nationals are commendable

Source: The post is based on the article “Express View on Sudan crisis: Indian government’s efforts to evacuate nationals are commendable” published in the Indian Express on 25th April 2023.

Syllabus: GS – 2: Indian diaspora.

Relevance: About India’s evacuation diplomacy.

News: India has begun ‘Operation Kaveri’ to evacuate around 4,000 nationals currently stranded in Khartoum and other parts of Sudan.

About the present issue in Sudan

Sudan, the third-largest country in Africa, is immensely rich in resources — from gold to fossil fuels. Sudan’s strategic geography and inherent value have made it a target for exploitation by world powers, countries in its neighbourhood and also from local groups.

What is the significance of India’s evacuation diplomacy?

Over the years, India has been adept at using its diplomatic skill and leveraging goodwill to ensure that Indians overseas are able to return to the country when they are faced with a crisis at their destinations, especially in West Asia and Africa. For example, ‘Operation Ganga’ was conducted in Ukraine to evacuate students and others from the conflict zone.

What should be done?

The diaspora is a crucial part of the economy. Hence, India must continue to do evacuation diplomacy to protect the lakhs of Indians who work and live across the world.

The international community must do all it can to bring the warring parties in Sudan to agree to a ceasefire and ensure the transition that was promised in 2019.