New Delhi

The first batch of Indians stranded in Sudan left under ‘Operation Kaveri’ for Jeddah early on Tuesday morning.

The 278 Indians were aboard INS Sumedha and efforts are being made to ensure their return to India at the earliest.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi tweeted the information with their pictures.

First batch of stranded Indians leave Sudan under #OperationKaveri.

INS Sumedha with 278 people onboard departs Port Sudan for Jeddah. pic.twitter.com/4hPrPPsi1I

— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) April 25, 2023

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had tweeted that 500 Indians had reached Port Sudan and more are on their way to be rescued from the strife torn country.

Operation Kaveri gets underway to bring back our citizens stranded in Sudan.

About 500 Indians have reached Port Sudan. More on their way.

Our ships and aircraft are set to bring them back home.

Committed to assist all our bretheren in Sudan. pic.twitter.com/8EOoDfhlbZ

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 24, 2023

Rival fighting units, the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces have agreed to stall their fighting for 72-hours to allow countries to evacuate their stranded nationals.

ALSO READ: Sudan crisis: Warring factions agree to 72-hour ceasefire

The ceasefire aims to establish a ‘humanitarian corridor’ in order to give locals opportunity to access food supplies and medical facilities along with diplomatic missions to reach out to their nationals.