NEW DELHI: US, besides economically developed France, Germany and Sweden, besides 22 nations have sought India's assistance to evacuate its citizens from violence hit Yemen.
| There was a time when the Indians would have called us... |
An US government travel advisory for Yemen pointed out that India would offer its assistance to evacuate American citizens from Sanna to Djibouti. The US citizens have been advised to contact Indian diplomats in Embassy at Sanna for assistance for evacuation either by boat or air.
| Did we send our people to a closed airport or shuttered dock? Again? |
This is significant considering the fact that the US has strong naval presence as well as deployment of its Air Force in West Asia. France also has presence of its Navy in the region to counter piracy. ​
| We also have an Air Force that has transport planes that can go anywhere, Marines who can protect our citizens, and a Navy that can be just about anywhere in the world in short order. I think we have the capability. What we're lacking is leadership and will... |
Diplomatic sources told ET that Indian assistance has been sought due to the country's geographical location and wherewithal to undertake evacuation. It has so far evacuated over 2,000 out of its 4,000 citizens in Yemen besides some Persons of Indian origin there.
"Roles have reversed with countries like USA are seeking India's assistance in violence hit region," a source pointed out. |