What is Operation Kaveri?
On April 24, 2023, the central government initiated Operation Kaveri, a rescue mission designed to evacuate Indian nationals stranded in Sudan due to the ongoing crisis. The mission’s primary objective is to retrieve Indian citizens trapped in the war-torn nation. To execute this plan, India has deployed two transport aircraft from the IAF in Jeddah and the naval vessel INS Sumedha at Port Sudan. Additionally, India’s Ministry of external affairs and embassy in Sudan have communicated with various organizations, including the UN, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and the US, to facilitate evacuation.
The Indian government has named the rescue mission “Operation Kaveri” to establish a metaphorical significance. The river Kaveri, one of the largest rivers in India, flows through the Southern States of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and is considered sacred by the people of the region. It is worshipped as Goddess Kaveriamma. By naming the operation after the river, the government aims to symbolize that just like the river that reaches its destination despite the barriers, the mission will ensure the safe return of Indian citizens stranded in Sudan. The river Kaveri is also seen as a motherly figure who will safely bring her children home. The operation’s name represents a practical aspect and holds cultural and religious significance for Indian citizens.
Number of Indians stranded in Sudan
As per official estimates, around 3,400 Indians are currently stranded in Sudan, with about 1,000 PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin) who have been residing in Sudan for generations. The Indian government has been actively working with various organizations, including the UN, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and the US, among others, to facilitate evacuation.
Deployment of resources
To execute this plan, India has deployed two transport aircraft from the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Jeddah and the naval vessel INS Sumedha at Port Sudan. These resources have been strategically positioned to ensure the swift and safe evacuation of Indian citizens from Sudan.
Coordination Centre at Port Sudan
The Saudi port of Port Sudan has emerged as the mid-point for the evacuation process, where with the cooperation of the Saudi authorities, India has set up a coordination centre. This coordination centre plays a crucial role in managing and coordinating the evacuation process, including the safe transportation of citizens from Port Sudan to Jeddah and other locations in India.
Successful evacuation of citizens
Since the launch of Operation Kaveri, India has successfully evacuated hundreds of its citizens from Sudan. India airlifted 754 of its citizens from Sudan, with 362 passengers reaching Bengaluru and the rest arriving on a C-17 heavy-lift aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan informed that the returnees included several members of the Hakki Pikki tribe of Karnataka, who had earlier hit the headlines for being stuck in the conflict.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted, “#OperationKaveri continues to bring Indians back home. Flight carrying 186 passengers touches down in Kochi.”
India welcomes back its own. #OperationKaveri brings 360 Indian Nationals to the homeland as first flight reaches New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/v9pBLmBQ8X
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 26, 2023
