India raises concern as 3 Indian nationals abducted in Mali by Al-Qaeda-affiliated group

India continues to monitor the situation closely as efforts intensify to secure the safe return of its nationals from Mali

PGurus Newsdesk

July 3, 2025

India continues to monitor the situation closely as efforts intensify to secure the safe return of its nationals from Mali

Indian workers taken hostage amid series of terror attacks in Mali

India has raised serious concerns over the abduction of three of its citizens in Mali following a coordinated terrorist attack on July 1. The victims, employed at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, were reportedly taken hostage during an armed assault on the facility.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that a group of armed attackers stormed the factory premises and forcibly took three Indian nationals hostage. The ministry condemned the abduction, calling it a “deplorable act of violence.”

Multiple targets hit across Mali

According to the MEA, the abduction occurred amid a broader wave of violence in Mali, where terrorists targeted several military and government installations across western and central parts of the country. Although no group has yet claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, Al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has admitted to carrying out several other attacks on the same day.

India has called on the Malian government to take “all necessary measures” to ensure the safe and prompt release of the abducted workers. “The Government of India expresses deep concern and urges the Government of the Republic of Mali to act swiftly in securing the release of the Indian nationals,” the MEA stated.

Indian mission actively engaged in response efforts

The Indian Embassy in Bamako is in active communication with Malian authorities, local security agencies, and the management of the Diamond Cement Factory. The mission is also in touch with the families of the kidnapped workers to keep them updated on developments.

In response to the deteriorating security environment, the MEA has issued a safety advisory to all Indian citizens in Mali. The advisory urges individuals to exercise utmost caution and remain vigilant at all times.

India continues to monitor the situation closely as efforts intensify to secure the safe return of its nationals from Mali.

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