Operation Kaveri, Overview, Progress, Evacuation Process

Operation Kaveri showed the commitment of ensuring safety and well-being of its citizens, domestically as well as internationally. Operation Kaveri was a testament to the dedication of India towards evacuating its citizens from conflict ridden Sudan. During the war happening in Sudan, India launched Operation Kaveri a heroic rescue mission to bring back its citizens from terrifying circumstances. The Operation was focused on evacuation of Indian Citizens stranded in crisis-stricken areas of Sudan.

Also Read: Operation Sindoor

Operation Kaveri Overview

Launched on April 24, 2023, Operation Kaveri is India’s rescue mission to bring back Indian citizens stuck in conflict-hit Sudan. Named after one of India’s major rivers, this operation is a joint effort by the Indian government, Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Air Force, and the Indian Embassy in Sudan.

With violence escalating in Sudan, the Indian government quickly acted to ensure the safety of its people. Stranded Indians are being moved from different parts of Sudan to the capital, Khartoum, and then flown to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia—a transit point set up to coordinate the return journey to India.

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The mission is being supervised by V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs, who is personally overseeing the safe evacuation from Port Sudan.

Operation Kaveri reflects India’s commitment to protecting its citizens, no matter where they are in the world.

Sudan Crisis

Operation Kaveri was carried out in Sudan during the time of war crisis that took place due to military takeover and power-sharing agreement which led to the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019. The efforts to transition into becoming a democratic government were countered by setbacks because of disputes between Rapid Support forces and the Sudanese army. These rising tensions eventually led to culminating into a military coup in October 2021.

Operation Kaveri Progress

Operation Kaveri was carried out to bring back Indian citizens to safety. The Operation deployed INS Sumedha, INS Teg and INS Tarkash, and two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster III Aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Operation Kaveri was able to rescue: 

• 1300 Indian nationals successfully brought back to India. 
• The situation in Sudan remains highly volatile due to conflicts between the Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces.

Also Read: Operation Devi Shakti

Operation Kaveri Evacuation Process

To make Operation Kaveri smooth and effective, the Ministry of External Affairs kept two C-130 aircraft and INS Sumedha ready for immediate action. These were key to safely bringing back Indian citizens stuck in Sudan. With nearly 4,000 Indians in the country, a quick and well-planned operation was essential.

India’s Diplomatic Efforts

The mission’s success was also thanks to strong diplomatic ties. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with leaders from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who offered crucial support in the evacuation process. Their help shows how international cooperation can make a real difference during crises.

What’s Happening in Sudan?

Sudan is facing major unrest due to a power struggle between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict began over disagreements on forming a civilian government, following the fall of former leader Omar al-Bashir and a military coup. As the situation grew more dangerous, India stepped in swiftly to protect its citizens and bring them home safely.

Operation Kaveri India’s Legacy of Evacuation Missions

India has carried out multiple evacuation operations around the world to safeguard its citizens. These missions include: 

• Kuwait Airlift (1990): Evacuation of over 170,000 Indians from Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion.
• Operation Sukoon (2006): Rescuing citizens from Lebanon during conflict with Israel.
• Operation Safe Homecoming (2011): Repatriating Indians from conflict-ridden Libya.
• Operation Maitri (2015): Providing relief and rescue following the Nepal earthquake.
• Operation Raahat (2015): Evacuating Indians from Yemen during the civil war.
• Operation Samudra Setu (2020): Repatriating stranded citizens during the Covid-19 pandemic.