An Indian national from Odisha has been abducted by rebel forces during the ongoing civil war in Sudan. The Sudanese government is actively engaged in negotiations for his release, as reported on Monday, November 3. Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom, Sudan’s Ambassador to India, stated that his country is collaborating with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to secure the safe return of Adarsh Behera, a 36-year-old man from Jagatsinghpur district in Odisha. Behera was reportedly taken by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the conflict-ridden city of Al Fashir.
Sources indicate that Behera was kidnapped from Al Fashir, located approximately 1,000 kilometers from Khartoum, and may have been transported to Nyala, a known RSF stronghold in South Darfur. The ambassador noted that India had previously reached out regarding another citizen who faced difficult circumstances during a 500-day siege of a Sudanese city.
Ambassador Eltom described the current situation as “very unpredictable,” expressing hope for Behera’s well-being and safe return. He emphasized the strong, long-standing relationship between Sudan and India, highlighting India’s consistent support, both in times of peace and conflict, and its recent humanitarian assistance, including medical aid and food supplies, which Sudan deeply appreciates.
Looking ahead, Eltom sees significant potential for bilateral cooperation, especially during Sudan’s post-war reconstruction phase, where India could serve as a crucial development partner. Addressing reports of a potential military agreement between Sudan and Pakistan, he stated that these appear to be unsubstantiated media claims, lacking official confirmation and possibly influenced by political agendas.
The RSF recently took control of Al Fashir, leading to increased violence and displacement in North Darfur. This development follows their capture of western Darfur regions, after expelling the Sudanese Army from Al Fashir, a city that had been under siege for 18 months.
