The war of words has erupted between Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Siddaramaiah after later commented over tribals from Karnataka stuck in crisis-hit Sudan.
Former Karnataka CM Siddaramiah, in a series of tweets, had alleged government inaction in bringing back the stranded people belonging to a tribal community in the southern state.
The war of words has erupted between Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Siddaramaiah after later commented over tribals from Karnataka stuck in crisis-hit Sudan.
Former Karnataka CM Siddaramiah, in a series of tweets, had alleged government inaction in bringing back the stranded people belonging to a tribal community in the southern state.
"The Hakki Pikkis in Sudan were left stranded without food for the past few days and the government has not yet initiated action to bring them back," he claimed.
His allegation drew a sharp retort from Mr Jaishankar: "It is grossly irresponsible of you to politicize their situation. No electoral goal justifies endangering Indians abroad."
"Simply appalled at your tweet! There are lives at stake; don't do politics," he wrote in another tweet denouncing Siddaramaiah's remarks.
Sudan is midst of crisis as fighting has raged between Sudanese army and rival paramilitary force RSF with Indian Embassy asking Indians to stay indoors.
"We have come across many instances of looting. All Indian nationals are advised please not to venture out. Please ration your supplies. The situation may continue for a few more days. Please try to take help from your neighbours. Please stay at home and remain safe," tweeted the Embassy of India in Khartoum.
Jaishankar also posted regarding the government’s efforts to trace the Indians in crisis-hit Sudan.
"Their details and locations cannot be made public for security reasons. Their movement is constrained by fierce fighting that is ongoing, he said, adding, "Plans regarding them have to take into account a very complicated security scenario. The Embassy is in constant touch with the Ministry in that regard."
At least 185 people have been killed and over 1,800 wounded since the fighting between Sudan's two top generals erupted.
The fighting has trapped millions of people in their homes or wherever they could find shelter, with supplies running low and several hospitals forced to shut down.
The two sides are using tanks, artillery and other heavy weapons in densely populated areas. Fighter jets swooped overhead and anti-aircraft fire lit up the skies as darkness fell.