Indian embassy in South Sudan asks Indians to stay calm amid unrest

Indian embassy in South Sudan today asked Indians stranded here to stay calm, assuring them that they are in constant touch with authorities in India and all options are being considered to provide relief to them amid heavy in fighting between South Sudan's army and former rebels.

"The Indian embassy is in regular touch with concerned authorities with concerned authorities in India and all options are being considered for providing relief to Indians stranded here in Juba. All are requested to keep calm and await further development and further inputs from the embassy," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj retweeted Indian embassy in South Sudan's statement.

Bhupat Patel, an Indian resident in South Sudan, tweeted to Swaraj asking for help, saying that they are stuck in between heavy gunfire. Swaraj retweeted the Indian embassy in South Sudan's statement and said that concerned authorities have been intimated to extend help.

Heavy fighting in South Sudan's capital was witnessed today as former rebels and government soldiers exchanged fire in several parts of the city.

The violence comes a day after the world's youngest country marked its fifth independence anniversary.