India: 156 indians evacuated from South Sudan

(AGI) - New Delhi, Jul 15 - The first Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft carrying 156 persons, who were evacuated from war-torn South Sudan's capital city Juba, arrived in Thiruvananthapuram early Friday. Among those rescued from the conflict zone were also two Nepalese nationals, seven women and three children. Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted,"The flight from South Sudan has landed in Delhi. My colleague Shri Vijay Goyal is at the airport to receive them." "I welcome our brothers and sisters on their safe return from strife torn South Sudan. Your country is always with you in hour of crisis," Swaraj said in another tweet. There were over 550 Indians in Juba and another 150 in areas where the oil wells are located. MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup had said that the aim is to evacuate all the Indian nationals who have expressed their interest in leaving. The C-17 aircraft was brought via Uganda and the minister also met Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda who on his part assured India of all help. South Sudan is witnessing heavy fighting between former rebels and government soldiers in several parts of the city. (AGI) .