Indian National Held By RSF Militia In Sudan; Efforts Underway For His Release

An Indian citizen has been detained by the anti-government Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in Sudan, prompting active diplomatic efforts by New Delhi to ensure his safe release.

The captive, identified as 36-year-old Adarsh Behera from Odisha, was reportedly taken by RSF fighters after they seized control of the city of El Fasher last month.

"One Indian national is in the custody of the RSF. As you know, there is fighting going on in the El-Fasher region," said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during a weekly press briefing.

He added, "We are in contact with the Sudan government and international organisations so that the Indian national can be safely freed and we can ensure his security."

Earlier this week, Sudanese Ambassador Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom confirmed that his country’s authorities were coordinating with Indian officials regarding the abduction.
"We hope that he is not harmed by the militia. The situation is unpredictable, you never know what they will do," Eltom told reporters.

According to officials, the Indian Embassy in Port Sudan is closely monitoring developments. Meanwhile, Sudan’s embassy in New Delhi has been maintaining regular communication with India’s external affairs ministry as well as Sudan’s foreign ministry in Port Sudan to facilitate Behera’s release.

With PTI inputs