The government has also advised all Indian citizens currently residing in Mali to “exercise utmost caution, remain vigilant and stay in close contact with the embassy in Bamako for regular updates and necessary assistance.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed serious concern after three Indian workers were kidnapped from a factory in Mali’s Kayes region. The Indian government has strongly condemned the incident and asked the Malian authorities to take quick action to ensure the safe return of the workers. In a statement, the MEA said the Indian Embassy in Mali’s capital, Bamako, is in regular contact with local officials, police, and the families of the kidnapped workers.
Calling the kidnapping a shameful and deplorable act, the government said it stands firmly against any harm done to Indian citizens abroad. “The embassy is closely working with Mali’s government, local security forces, and the management of the Diamond Cement Factory to bring the workers back safely,” the statement said.
Indian officials are keeping a close watch on the situation and are doing everything possible to help with the safe and speedy rescue of the three men.
“The Government of India unequivocally condemns this deplorable act of violence and calls upon the Government of Mali to take all necessary measures for the safe and swift release of the abducted Indian nationals. Senior officials are monitoring the situation closely and remain engaged to facilitate their early release,” it added.
What happened in Mali?
On July 1, three Indian workers were kidnapped during a violent attack at the Diamond Cement Factory in Mali’s Kayes region. Armed men stormed the factory and took them hostage.
This was part of a larger series of attacks that same day. Armed groups also struck several areas across Mali, including Diboli (near the Senegal border), the towns of Kayes and Sandere, and places like Nioro du Sahel, Gogoui (close to Mauritania), as well as Molodo and Niono in central Mali.
A terrorist group called Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which is linked to al-Qaeda, later claimed responsibility for these coordinated attacks. They mainly targeted army bases and security posts across the western and central parts of the country.
The situation remains tense, and efforts are underway to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped Indian nationals.
