In yet another tragic development emerging from Sudan’s prolonged civil war, a 36-year-old Indian national from Odisha has been abducted by rebel forces, throwing his family into turmoil and prompting urgent diplomatic efforts between New Delhi and Khartoum. The man, identified as Adarsh Behera from Jagatsinghpur district, was reportedly kidnapped by members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — a powerful paramilitary group that has been fighting Sudan’s national army for control of the country since 2023.

The Sudanese Ambassador to India, Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom, confirmed the abduction in an interview, describing the situation on the ground as “very unpredictable” and affirming that both governments are working together to ensure Behera’s safe return.

The Abduction in War-Torn Darfur

According to reports, Behera was abducted from Al Fashir, the capital of North Darfur — a region that has recently witnessed intense clashes between RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces. The city, located about 1,000 kilometers from Khartoum, has been under siege for months as rebel groups expanded their territorial control.

Sources cited by PTI said Behera may have been taken to Nyala, a stronghold of the RSF in South Darfur, where numerous foreign nationals and local civilians have been caught in the crossfire. The RSF’s capture of Al Fashir has sparked widespread displacement, pushing tens of thousands to flee amid looting, airstrikes, and rampant insecurity.

Ambassador Eltom, speaking to PTI, expressed concern for Behera’s safety but said the Sudanese government was doing all it could to secure his release.
“The situation is very unpredictable. We kind of know what we need to do, and we have seen what they (RSF) are capable of doing. We hope that he will be treated well and that we can see him coming back safely soon,” he said.

Efforts for Release and Diplomatic Coordination

The Sudanese envoy confirmed that his government was in close coordination with India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Diplomatic channels are being used to communicate with mediators on the ground and explore safe passage options for the abducted Indian.

Eltom revealed that this is not the first time India has faced a crisis involving its citizens in Sudan. “Even before this, during the siege of one of the Sudanese cities, the Indian ministry had reached out to us about another of its citizens who endured very difficult conditions during those 500 days,” he said, referring to a previous case where another Indian national was trapped amid conflict.

Officials in New Delhi are reportedly in constant touch with the Indian Embassy in Sudan and are assessing possible rescue routes through neighboring countries. Sudan’s ongoing internal conflict, however, has made such operations extremely challenging, with communication lines frequently disrupted and major transport corridors under rebel control.

Who is Adarsh Behera?

Back home in Odisha, Behera’s family has been living in fear since news of his abduction surfaced. Speaking to NDTV, his wife Susmita said her husband had been working in Sudan since 2022 for a private firm named Sukarati Plastic Factory. The couple have two young children, aged eight and three.

A video of Behera, reportedly shared by his family, has since circulated on social media. In the footage, he is seen sitting on the floor with folded hands, appearing anxious but unharmed. Speaking in Hindi, Behera says, “I am here in Al Fashir where the situation is very bad. I have been living here for two years with great difficulty. My family and children are very worried. I request the Odisha government to help me.”

The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified, but it has become a focal point of the family’s appeal to both the Odisha state government and the central authorities in India to intervene urgently. Local media in Jagatsinghpur reported that officials have visited Behera’s family home to collect details and coordinate with the MEA.

The Broader Crisis in Sudan

Sudan has been engulfed in civil war since April 2023, when tensions between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo’s RSF exploded into open conflict. The fighting has devastated the country, leading to thousands of deaths, widespread hunger, and one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

The RSF, originally formed as a counter-insurgency militia during the Darfur conflict in the early 2000s, has since transformed into a powerful force rivaling the Sudanese military. In recent months, it has seized major cities across western Sudan, including Nyala, Zalingei, and most recently, Al Fashir — a move that marks a significant strategic victory for the group.

The fall of Al Fashir triggered intense clashes, forcing over 800,000 civilians to flee and prompting the United Nations to warn of a potential “mass atrocity event.” Civilians trapped in the city have reported abductions, looting, and arbitrary detentions, with foreign workers among those targeted.

India’s Position and Humanitarian Assistance

Despite the chaos, Sudan’s ambassador highlighted that India and Sudan continue to maintain strong diplomatic relations. “Our relations with India are long-standing and deeply rooted. India has always been an important partner to Sudan — in times of peace and in times of war,” said Ambassador Eltom.

He acknowledged that during the ongoing conflict, India has provided medical aid, food supplies, and humanitarian assistance, which have reached Sudanese civilians through coordinated relief programs. “We deeply appreciate the help extended by India,” he said.

India’s Operation Kaveri in 2023 had successfully evacuated over 3,800 Indian nationals when the war first broke out. However, many Indians chose to remain in Sudan, either because of employment commitments or logistical challenges. Adarsh Behera was reportedly one of those who stayed behind after the operation.

Clarification on Reports of Military Links

When asked about reports suggesting possible military cooperation between Sudan and Pakistan, Eltom dismissed the claims as unverified. “I have seen those reports, but they appear to be media claims without official confirmation. As of now, I cannot verify or confirm such reports. They may be based on speculation or influenced by certain political agendas,” he clarified.

The statement aims to quell speculation about the conflict’s geopolitical dimensions, as both Sudan’s internal power struggle and the interests of external players have drawn international attention.

Prospects for India–Sudan Cooperation Post-War

Despite the ongoing conflict, the Sudanese envoy expressed optimism about future cooperation between the two countries once peace is restored. “The potential for cooperation between our two countries is vast,” Eltom said. “Once Sudan enters the reconstruction phase after the war, we believe India can play a significant role as a development partner — in rebuilding infrastructure, healthcare systems, and trade.”

He also pointed to India’s growing role as a global humanitarian and economic partner in Africa, suggesting that Indian companies could be instrumental in Sudan’s post-conflict recovery.

A Race Against Time

For now, the focus remains squarely on securing the safe return of Adarsh Behera. The situation remains fluid, and both Indian and Sudanese authorities have avoided making public commitments on timelines or specific negotiation strategies, citing the sensitivity of the operation.

Officials describe the current situation as a “race against time,” given the RSF’s unpredictable behavior and the volatile conditions in Darfur. “Every hour matters,” said a source familiar with the matter. “The longer he remains in captivity, the more complicated the negotiations could become.”

Back in Jagatsinghpur, Behera’s family continues to hold out hope. His wife, Susmita, has made repeated appeals to both the Odisha and central governments, urging them to act swiftly. “My children keep asking when their father will come home. I just want him back safely,” she said.

As the conflict in Sudan grinds on, Behera’s ordeal underscores the peril faced by civilians — particularly foreign workers — trapped in one of the world’s most unstable war zones. For his family and for the Indian government, the mission now is clear but fraught with challenges: bringing him home safely from a land torn apart by war.