India planning to evacuate nationals from South Sudan

India is planning to evacuate its nationals from South Sudan where renewed fighting between rival military factions has claimed nearly 300 lives.

"I am aware of the developments in South Sudan," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted.

"We are planning evacuation of Indian nationals," she said.

The latest bout of violence started after a localised gunfight outside South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit's residence in the country's capital Juba on Thursday when he was holding a meeting with former rebel leader and current First Vice President Riek Machar.

Both Kiir and Machar have appealed for calm to all factions.

Sushma Swaraj advised Indian nationals not to panic and to register themselves with the Indian embassy.

"Indian nationals are advised not to travel to South Sudan," she said.

--IANS

ab/vt