India has expressed strong outrage over the kidnapping of three of its nationals in Mali, a West African nation which is at present experiencing an acute spike in terror activity.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the kidnapping on Wednesday as a "deplorable act of violence" and called upon the Malian government to initiate immediate and effective measures to ensure their release.
The MEA reported that the incident occurred on July 1, 2025, when militants armed with weapons attacked the Diamond Cement Factory in the city of Kayes. In the course of the attack, three Indian workers who worked at the plant were abducted against their will.
The Ministry of External Affairs is deeply concerned over the kidnap of three Indian nationals who are working at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, Republic of Mali. The kidnapping took place on 1st July 2025, when three Indian nationals were taken hostage at gunpoint during a coordinated attack launched by a group of armed intruders on the factory complex," the ministry said in a statement.
Though no one group has publicly accepted responsibility for the kidnapping, the Al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has come forward and claimed responsibility for conducting a series of coordinated attacks throughout Mali on the same day.
The Indian Embassy in Bamako remains in constant touch with Malian authorities, local police, and officials of the Diamond Cement Factory. The Embassy is also keeping in touch with the families of the abducted people, the MEA added.
The government of India strongly condemns this inhuman act of violence and urges the government of the Republic of Mali to take all steps to ensure the safe and speedy release of the kidnapped Indian nationals," the ministry reaffirmed.
It also said that senior officials are keeping the developments under close watch and are actively engaging with all parties to facilitate the safe return of the Indian nationals.
The MEA has also given an advisory to Indian nationals living in Mali, asking them to be very careful and in contact with the Indian Embassy in Bamako for information and assistance. "Exercise utmost caution, remain vigilant and stay in close contact with the embassy in Bamako for regular updates and necessary assistance," said the advisory.
Reiterating its dedication to Indians overseas and their safety and well-being, the ministry concluded: "The Government of India will provide all possible assistance and remains committed to the early return of the abducted Indian nationals safely."
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