India Urges Swift Action After Three Nationals Abducted in Mali

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday voiced deep concern over the abduction of three Indian nationals working at a cement factory in Mali’s Kayes region and called on Malian authorities to act swiftly to secure their release.

In a strongly worded statement, the MEA condemned the incident as “deplorable” and reiterated India’s zero-tolerance stance on violence targeting its citizens abroad.

“The Government of India unequivocally condemns this deplorable act of violence and urges the Government of the Republic of Mali to take all necessary steps to ensure the safe and early return of the abducted Indian nationals,” the MEA said. Senior officials are closely monitoring the situation, it added.

The Indian Embassy in Mali’s capital, Bamako, is said to be in “close and constant” contact with local authorities, security agencies, and the families of the kidnapped workers. The victims were employed at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes and were abducted during a coordinated attack on July 1.

According to reports, multiple towns across Mali — including Kayes, Diboli, Sandere, Nioro du Sahel, and Gogoui — came under attack by armed assailants. The country’s armed forces confirmed additional assaults in central Mali, including in Molodo and Niono.

Responsibility for the coordinated assault was claimed by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a militant group affiliated with al-Qaeda, according to the Associated Press.

India’s diplomatic mission continues to work with all relevant stakeholders to secure the hostages’ release as concerns grow about the deteriorating security environment in Mali.