Authorities in India and Sudan are working closely to ensure the safe release of an Indian national abducted by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Al Fashir, North Darfur, amid escalating violence in the war-torn region.
The kidnapped individual has been identified as 36-year-old Adarsh Behera from Jagatsinghpur district in Odisha. 
Behera was reportedly abducted from Al Fashir and is believed to have been taken to Nyala, an RSF-controlled area in South Darfur, located about 1,000 kilometres from Khartoum.
Confirming the ongoing coordination, Sudan&rsquo;s Ambassador to India, Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom, said,
&ldquo;We have been in close contact with India&rsquo;s Ministry of External Affairs ever since reports emerged about the Indian national who was captured. Even before that, during the siege of one of the Sudanese cities, the Ministry had reached out to us about another Indian citizen there, who endured very difficult conditions during those 500 days.&rdquo;
Eltom added,
&ldquo;We are coordinating closely with both the Sudanese authorities and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to ensure their safety and secure their release.&rdquo;
Describing the situation as extremely volatile, the envoy remarked,
&ldquo;The circumstances are very unpredictable. We kind of know what we need to do. And we have seen what they are capable of doing. We hope that he will be treated well. And we hope that we can see him coming back safely soon.&rdquo;
The abduction comes amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF has resulted in mass displacement, civilian casualties, and the collapse of basic infrastructure.
Highlighting the strong bilateral ties between Sudan and India, Eltom said,
&ldquo;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. During this ongoing crisis, India has extended humanitarian assistance to Sudan and continues to do so.&rdquo;
He further acknowledged India&rsquo;s contribution to relief efforts, stating,
&ldquo;India has provided medical aid and food supplies to Sudan, which we deeply appreciate.&rdquo;
Looking ahead, the ambassador stressed the potential for cooperation between the two nations once the conflict subsides.
&ldquo;The potential for cooperation between our two countries is vast. Once Sudan enters the reconstruction phase after the war, we believe India can play a significant role as a development partner,&rdquo; he said.
Eltom noted that Sudan could greatly benefit from India&rsquo;s experience and expertise in rebuilding critical infrastructure and advancing development initiatives, given Sudan&rsquo;s abundant natural resources and investment potential.
Addressing speculation about a possible military agreement between Sudan and Pakistan, the envoy clarified,
&ldquo;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.&rdquo;
The capture of Al Fashir by the RSF has triggered widespread violence and human rights abuses, with the United Nations and several world leaders condemning the atrocities. 
However, despite international outrage, decisive global intervention remains limited as the conflict in Sudan continues to deepen.

Indian national kidnapped amid Sudan conflict crisis

Sudan, India coordinate to rescue Odisha man abducted by RSF amid Darfur conflict

India, Sudan Work To Free Kidnapped Citizen

Sudan, India coordinate to rescue Odisha man abducted by RSF amid Darfur conflict

November 4, 2025 | 10:30 IST