New Delhi: Three Indian nationals have been abducted in Mali amid a surge in terrorist violence across the West African country. On Wednesday, India expressed serious concern over the incident and urged the Malian authorities to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped persons.
“The Ministry of External Affairs is deeply concerned about the abduction of three Indians employed at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, Mali. The kidnapping took place on July 1, 2025, when armed attackers stormed the factory and took the three workers hostage,” the MEA said in a statement.
The Indian Embassy in Bamako is actively coordinating with Mali’s government, local security forces, and the management of the factory. The mission is also maintaining contact with the families of those abducted.
On Tuesday, coordinated attacks by armed militants targeted Malian military positions in towns including Kayes, Nioro, Sandare, Gogui, and Diboli, all located in the country’s western region. Media reports said the Malian army responded by killing 80 militants. These attacks followed the recent deaths of several local extremist leaders and the surrender of around 10 Islamic State fighters, according to Chinese news agency Xinhua.
“The Government of India strongly condemns this heinous act of violence and calls on the Malian government to do everything possible to ensure the swift and safe release of the Indian hostages. Senior officials at the Ministry are closely monitoring the situation and remain engaged at multiple levels to aid in their rescue,” the MEA added.
