The Sudan crisis has put a strain on the long-standing relationship between India and Sudan. Despite the challenges, India remains committed to supporting Sudan through humanitarian aid, diplomatic efforts, and ensuring the safety of its citizens living in the country.
Image Source: Mint
The Sudan crisis has been an ongoing issue that has caused significant political and social upheaval in the African nation. The situation has not only impacted the lives of the Sudanese people but has also had ripple effects across the globe. One country that has been closely monitoring the developments in Sudan is India. In this article, we will take a closer look at how the Sudan crisis has impacted relations between Sudan and India.
India-Sudan relations in the wake of the Sudan crisis
India and Sudan have had diplomatic relations for over six decades. The relationship between the two nations has been cordial and has revolved around trade and economic cooperation. However, the Sudan crisis has put a strain on the relationship between the two countries.
The Sudan crisis began in 2018 when widespread protests erupted in the country against the then-president Omar al-Bashir’s regime. The protests were a result of rising food prices, economic hardship, and political repression. The protests eventually led to the ousting of Bashir and the establishment of a transitional government. However, the situation in Sudan remains precarious, with ongoing conflicts between various factions.
India has been closely monitoring the situation in Sudan and has expressed concern about the instability in the country. In 2019, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Sudan and held talks with the country’s leadership. During the visit, Jaishankar emphasized the need for stability and democracy in Sudan and pledged India’s support for the transitional government.
Image Source: NewsX
India’s support for the transitional government was seen as a positive step in the relationship between the two countries. However, the situation in Sudan has continued to deteriorate, with reports of human rights violations and violence against civilians.
The Sudan crisis has also impacted India’s economic ties with the country. India has been a significant investor in Sudan’s oil sector, with several Indian companies operating in the country. However, the ongoing instability in Sudan has led to a decline in oil production, which has impacted India’s energy security. India has been forced to look for alternative sources of oil, which has put a strain on the country’s energy security.
India’s commitment to supporting Sudan through the crisis
The Sudan crisis has also had a significant impact on Indian expatriates working in the country. There are over 15,000 Indians living and working in Sudan, primarily in the oil and infrastructure sectors. The ongoing conflict in the country has put the safety and security of these expatriates at risk. India has been working closely with the Sudanese government to ensure the safety of its citizens in the country.
Despite the challenges posed by the Sudan crisis, India remains committed to its relationship with Sudan. India has provided humanitarian aid to Sudan to support the country’s efforts to deal with the crisis. In 2020, India donated essential medicines and medical equipment to Sudan to help the country deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Image Source: CSIS
India has also been working with other countries in the region to find a peaceful solution to the Sudan crisis. In 2020, India participated in the United Nations Security Council’s discussion on the situation in Sudan. During the discussion, India emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and called on all parties to work together to find a solution.
The Sudan crisis has had a significant impact on relations between Sudan and India. The ongoing instability in Sudan has led to a decline in economic ties between the two countries, and the safety and security of Indian expatriates in the country have been put at risk. However, India remains committed to its relationship with Sudan and has been working closely with the country’s leadership to find a peaceful solution to the crisis. India’s support for the transitional government and its efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Sudan demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of the Sudanese people.
