Sudan Envoy Calls Situation ‘Very Unpredictable’ After Indian Man Kidnapped in Civil War

An Indian national from Odisha has been abducted by rebel forces amid the ongoing civil war in Sudan, according to reports on Monday, November 3. Sudan’s Ambassador to India, Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom, confirmed that his government is in touch with India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to secure the release of the man, identified as 36-year-old Adarsh Behera from Jagatsinghpur district.

Behera was reportedly kidnapped by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the conflict-hit city of Al Fashir in North Darfur, around 1,000 km from Khartoum, and is believed to have been moved to Nyala, an RSF stronghold in South Darfur, according to PTI sources.

Speaking to PTI, Ambassador Eltom described the situation as “very unpredictable,” adding, “We know what we need to do and we have seen what they (RSF) are capable of. We hope he is treated well and returns home safely.”

Who is Adarsh Behera?

Behera has been employed in Sudan since 2022 by Sukarati Plastic Factory. His family told NDTV that he has been living under difficult conditions for two years. In a video shared by his family, Behera is seen sitting on the floor with folded hands, appealing for help.

“I am in Al Fashir where the situation is very bad. My family and children are very worried. I request the Odisha government to help me,” he reportedly said. Behera is married and has two children, aged eight and three.

India–Sudan Relations Amid Crisis

Ambassador Eltom highlighted India’s support during the crisis, noting that New Delhi has supplied medical aid and food to Sudan. He said bilateral ties remain “long-standing and deeply rooted,” and expressed hope for greater cooperation once Sudan enters its reconstruction phase after the war.

On speculation of a military pact between Sudan and Pakistan, Eltom dismissed the reports as unverified, saying they appeared to be “media claims without official confirmation.”

The RSF recently seized control of Al Fashir after ousting the Sudanese Army, intensifying violence and displacement in the Darfur region.