EAM Jaishankar jabs Siddaramaiah for ‘politicizing’ issue of stranded Indians in Sudan

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Tuesday refuted Karnataka Congress leader S Siddaramaiah’s charge that stranded Indians in Sudan have been ‘left in the lurch’ and also objected to his publicly raising the matter of Karnataka tribals stuck in war-torn country.

Foreign Minister termed Siddaramaiah’s comment as ‘appalling’ and also cautioned that former Karnataka CM from politicizing the matter as the country is in throes of fierce fight between militias & Army over govt control.

Since you are the External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar I have appealed you for help.

If you are busy getting appalled please point us to the person who can help us bring our people back. https://t.co/B21Lndvxit

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 18, 2023

EAM’s reply came in response to Siddaramaiah’s charge that more than 31 tribals from Karnataka were stuck in crisi-hit Sudan and the Centre was lackdaisical in rescuing them. Ex-Karnataka CM also tagged Prime Minister & EAM Jaishankar seeking urgent assistance in their rescue.

How Twitter war erupted

Former Karnataka CM posted a Twitter thread, in which he accused the Centre of ‘inaction & indifference’ in bringing back the stranded people, belonging to a tribal community of the state.

“The Hakki Pikkis in Sudan were left stranded without food for the past few days and the government has not yet initiated action to bring them back,” he claimed.

This prompted a direct response from the Foreign Minister and a war of words ensued between the two.

Hakki Pikkis in Sudan are left stranded without food since the last few days & the govt is yet to initiate action to bring them back.@BJP4India govt should immediately open diplomatic discussions & reach out to international agencies to ensure the well-being of Hakki Pikkis.

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 18, 2023

Jaishankar advised the Congress leader to desist from politicizing the matter and said that this will put the life of stranded Indians in peril.

“Simply appalled at your tweet! There are lives at stake; don’t do politics,” he wrote.

Sudan is facing intense fighting for days, with Sudanese army and rival force RSF crossing swords.

Following the outbreak of civil war, the Indian Embassy also issued an advisory, asking Indians to stay indoors. The civil was has resulted in more than 200 deaths till now.

Plans regarding them have to take into account a very complicated security scenario. The Embassy is in constant touch with the Ministry in that regard.

It is grossly irresponsible of you to politicize their situation. No electoral goal justifies endangering Indians abroad.

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 18, 2023

The EAM also informed via Twitter on government’s efforts & endeavour in tracing & rescuing the Indians stranded in crisis-hit nation.

“Their details and locations cannot be made public for security reasons. Their movement is constrained by fierce fighting that is ongoing, he said, adding, “Plans regarding them have to take into account a very complicated security scenario. The Embassy is in constant touch with the Ministry in that regard,” he tweeted.