India Asks Mali To Secure Swift Release Of Three Nationals Abducted Amid Terror Attacks In West African Country

India has voiced “deep concern” over the abduction of three of its citizens in Mali, following a coordinated attack at the Diamond Cement Factory in west Malian city of Kayes on 1 July.

Armed assailants stormed the factory premises, forcibly taking three Indian employees hostage.

In an official statement on Wednesday (2 July), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “The incident occurred on July 1, when a group of armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack at the factory premises and forcibly took three Indian nationals as hostages.”

No group has directly claimed responsibility for the kidnappings.

This comes as Al-Qaeda affiliate Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has claimed responsibility for a string of attacks across Mali on the same day.

The MEA said the Indian embassy in Bamako is maintaining “close and constant” contact with local authorities, law enforcement agencies, and the management of Diamond Cement Factory.

"The Mission is also in touch with the family members of the abducted Indian nationals," the ministry added.

“The government of India unequivocally condemns this deplorable act of violence and calls upon the government of the Republic of Mali to take all necessary measures to secure the safe and expeditious release of the abducted Indian nationals,” the ministry stated.

It further noted that “senior officials of the ministry are closely monitoring the evolving situation and remain engaged at various levels to facilitate safe and early release of Indian nationals.”

Meanwhile, Indian citizens residing in Mali have been advised to exercise extreme caution, stay vigilant, and remain in contact with the embassy in Bamako for regular updates and assistance.

The ministry assured, “It will extend all possible support to Indians and remains committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted Indian nationals at the earliest.”

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