Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met with UN Secretary-General António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres. The Indian minister pushed for “successful diplomacy” in Sudan to end the week-long conflict between its military and paramilitary.
Discussions on Sudan
Jaishankar said that diplomatic discussions between the two sides are necessary to successfully reach an early ceasefire and ensure the safety of the people in the country. To this end, Guterres spoke of the need to set up safe corridors and work closely with the UN and its partners.
The EAM said that his visit to New York was scheduled after the Sudan conflict grew tense, endangering the lives of those trapped in the country. Given the UN’s presence in Sudan, he said the international body needed to be at “the heart of the efforts.”
Apart from the Sudan conflict, the pair also discussed India’s G20 Presidency and the Ukraine war.
Good to meet UN Secretary General @antonioguterres in New York today afternoon.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 20, 2023
Discussed the current developments in Sudan, G20 Presidency and Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/6ZRANljEtg
Following the New York visit, Jaishankar has begun his nine-day trip to South America, where he will hold discussions in Guyana, Panama, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic.
India’s Efforts in Sudan
The EAM underlined that the issue was significant for India, given that Sudan houses over 2,000 Indians. Out of the 300 who have lost their lives in the clashes thus far, one was an Indian.
Jaishankar has been in touch with his Saudi Arabian, Emirati, American, and British counterparts as well. The minister confirmed that he had a “long conversation” with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.
In these conversations, Jaishankar emphasised the need to deploy diplomatic efforts to “yield the desired result” and secure a “workable, on-the-ground observed ceasefire.”
In the meantime, India has been in “continuous touch” with its diaspora in Sudan, urging them to avoid “unnecessary risk” by venturing out for non-essential travel.
Humanitarian operations in Sudan are virtually impossible at this moment.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 20, 2023
Warehouses, vehicles and other humanitarian assets have been attacked, looted and seized.
Targeting humanitarian workers and humanitarian assets must end.
They are #NotATarget. pic.twitter.com/MYww7nHHQ1
Meanwhile, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India has been in contact with several countries, including the US, the UK, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, which play a “key role” in peace efforts in Sudan.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Bagchi said that India has “contingency plans” to rescue its citizens. However, the success will depend on the length of a ceasefire, where it is happening, and locations available to house citizens in Sudan safely.
Bagchi also responded to reports of attacks on the Indian embassy, noting that the mission is situated close to the airport, which is a hotbed for violence.