‘Ready To Play Any Role’: Sudan Envoy Says Talks On For Release Of Odisha Man Abducted by RSF

Last Updated:November 04, 2025, 07:49 IST

Odisha man was reportedly kidnapped by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group, from Al Fashir.

Sudan’s Ambassador to India, Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom (Photo: ANI)

An Indian national from Odisha has been abducted by rebel forces amid the ongoing civil war in Sudan, according to reports on Monday, 3 November. The Sudanese government is coordinating with India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to secure the release of the man, identified as 36-year-old Adarsh Behera, a resident of Jagatsinghpur district.

Behera was reportedly kidnapped by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group, from Al Fashir, about 1,000 kilometres from the Sudanese capital Khartoum. Sources suggest he was later moved to Nyala, an RSF stronghold in South Darfur.

Sudan’s Ambassador to India, Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom, confirmed that his government is in contact with Indian authorities. “We are coordinating with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to secure his safe release," he said, describing the situation as “very unpredictable."

Sudan’s Ambassador to India, Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom, has said his government is prepared to fully cooperate with Indian authorities to ensure the safe return of the Indian national reportedly abducted by rebel forces in Sudan.

Eltom told ANI that while Sudan has seen the reports of the abduction, the government cannot yet confirm them. “We pray that they keep him safe. This militia is notorious for the atrocities it can commit, but we hope they ensure he remains unharmed," he said, referring to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which allegedly kidnapped the Indian man.

Eltom affirmed that Khartoum would extend all possible assistance to New Delhi. “We are ready to play any role in ensuring his safe return to India and will cooperate with the Indian authorities," he added.

The Ambassador underlined Sudan’s alignment with India’s stance on the reform of the United Nations, particularly the UN Security Council, criticising the “inaction" of the international system regarding Sudan’s crisis. He said Sudan had provided “concrete evidence" of foreign support to the RSF, which he described as “a threat to international peace and security."

Eltom also provided an update on the conflict, noting that most of Sudan remains under the control of the national army, except for Darfur, where the RSF continues to hold ground. He expressed confidence that the army would eventually reclaim all occupied territories.

Family appeals for help

Behera’s family in Odisha has made an emotional plea for his safe return. His wife, Susmita Behera, told NDTV that her husband had been working at Sukarati Plastic Factory in Sudan since 2022 to support their two young children, aged eight and three.

A video shared by the family showed Behera sitting on the floor with folded hands, pleading for assistance. “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," he said in the video.

Diplomatic coordination

Ambassador Eltom said Sudan is doing everything possible to bring Behera home safely. “We have seen what the RSF are capable of doing. We hope he will be treated well and can return safely soon," he added.

The ambassador also acknowledged India’s continued support to Sudan during its ongoing conflict. “Our relations with India are long-standing and deeply rooted. India has extended humanitarian assistance, including food and medical aid, for which we are deeply grateful," he said.

Sudan’s civil war

The RSF recently captured Al Fashir, intensifying violence and displacing thousands across North Darfur. The rebel group has taken control of most of western Sudan after ousting government forces from several key cities.

Despite the instability, Ambassador Eltom expressed optimism about post-war cooperation. “Once Sudan enters the reconstruction phase, India can play a major role as a development partner," he said, dismissing reports of any military alliance between Sudan and Pakistan as “unverified media claims."

Meanwhile, negotiations to secure Behera’s release remain ongoing.

News world ‘Ready To Play Any Role’: Sudan Envoy Says Talks On For Release Of Odisha Man Abducted by RSF

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