US Sanctions Indian Firm SBL Energy and CEO Alok Choudhari Over Alleged Role in Fueling Sudan Civil War
The United States has imposed sanctions on an Indian explosives manufacturer, SBL Energy Limited, and its Chief Executive Officer, Alok Choudhari, as part of a broader crackdown on international procurement and recruitment networks accused of sustaining Sudan’s devastating civil war. The sanctions target eight individuals and entities across multiple countries that Washington alleges supplied weapons, explosives, logistics, or foreign fighters to the rival factions fighting in Sudan.
Why Did the U.S. Impose Sanctions?
The sanctions were announced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under Executive Order 14098, which authorizes measures against individuals and organizations contributing to instability in Sudan.
According to U.S. authorities, SBL Energy—also known as Amin Explosive Private Limited—supplied more than 200 shipments of explosives and explosive-related materials since 2024 to Target Multiactivities Company (TMAC), a Sudanese company alleged to support the arsenal of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Washington claims these explosives were ultimately used in aerial bombs deployed during the conflict.
Indian Company and CEO Among Eight Sanctioned
Among those sanctioned are:
- SBL Energy Limited, a Raipur, Chhattisgarh-based explosives manufacturer.
- Alok Choudhari, Chief Executive Officer of SBL Energy.
- Sudan-based Target Multiactivities Company (TMAC) and its senior management.
- Additional companies and individuals in Sudan, Egypt, Panama, and Colombia allegedly linked to procurement networks and recruitment of foreign fighters for Sudan’s rival armed factions.
Allegations Against SBL Energy
The U.S. Treasury alleges that SBL Energy knowingly exported commercial explosives that entered Sudan through TMAC, a company associated with Sudan’s military-industrial network.
Washington argues that these supplies strengthened the Sudanese Armed Forces’ military capabilities during a conflict that has produced one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The sanctions do not constitute a criminal conviction but instead freeze any U.S.-based assets of the designated parties and generally prohibit U.S. persons and businesses from conducting transactions with them.
Sudan’s Civil War
Sudan has remained engulfed in civil war since April 2023, primarily between:
- Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
- Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (“Hemedti”).
The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, widespread displacement, severe food insecurity, and allegations of war crimes by multiple parties. International organizations continue to describe Sudan as one of the world’s gravest humanitarian emergencies.
Broader Sanctions Target Both Sides
Unlike previous sanctions focused on a single faction, the latest U.S. action targets networks allegedly supporting both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
U.S. officials said some sanctioned entities supplied explosives and military equipment to the SAF, while others allegedly facilitated recruitment of former Colombian soldiers to fight alongside the RSF. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the objective is to disrupt international networks profiting from the conflict and encourage progress toward a humanitarian ceasefire.
Potential Impact on SBL Energy
The sanctions could have significant commercial consequences for SBL Energy:
- Any assets subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked.
- U.S. persons and companies are generally prohibited from doing business with the sanctioned parties.
- International banks and trading partners may reassess relationships to avoid secondary compliance risks.
- The measures could complicate the company’s access to international finance and cross-border transactions.
India’s Response
As of June 28, 2026, the Government of India has not publicly announced any retaliatory action or formal response regarding the U.S. sanctions. The matter is expected to draw attention because it involves an Indian company operating in the explosives sector and raises questions about export controls and international compliance.
What Happens Next?
The sanctions add another layer of international pressure on networks accused of sustaining Sudan’s prolonged conflict. Whether the measures will significantly disrupt arms procurement or influence the conduct of the warring parties remains uncertain. Investigations and diplomatic engagement over arms supplies, sanctions enforcement, and humanitarian access are expected to continue in the coming months.
