Indian launches Operation Sankat Mochan to rescue Indians stuck in South Sudan

With Africa’s newest country slipping into a deadly spiral of violence, anarchy and civil war, India has launched Operation Sankat Mochan to rescue around 500 Indians stranded in South Sudan. Minister of State for External Affairs V.K Singh is leading India’s rescue operation.  Senior Indian diplomats, including Amar Sinha, secretary (MER) are accompanying Singh on this mission. Gen. (retd) Singh, a former Army chief, touched down in South Sudan capital Juba on July 4 with two C-17 Globemaster Indian Air Force aircraft. India has already  issued an appeal to all Indians in South Sudan to leave the violence-torn country. “Indian nationals – Pls move out of South Sudan. We hv sent two aircrafts. If situation deteriorates, we will not be able to evacuate u,” External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted. “The first flight has already landed, and the second flight will be landing soon. The aim is to evacuate all Indian nationals who have expressed their interest in leaving,” said Vikas Swarup, the spokesperson of India’s external affairs ministry. “The evacuation has been meticulously planned in coordination with the local authorities as well as support of the Indian peacekeeping contingent in UNMISS.” Mrs Swaraj is supervising the entire operation and has formed a high-level task force to monitor the situation in South Sudan. “Operation Sankat Mochan has underscored once aain the GOI’s proactive approach towards helping Indians in distress anywhere in the world,” said Swarup. India has substantial investment in energy assets spread across Sudan and South Sudan. India’s Vice-President Hamid Ansari attended the ceremony marking the birth of South Sudan four years ago.