Three Indian nationals were kidnapped during a terror attack in Mali’s Kayes region on July 1, The Indian government has strongly condemned the attack. It happened at the Diamond Cement Factory in western Mali, where the three were working.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), a group of armed men stormed the factory premises and took the Indians hostage.

“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,” the MEA said in a statement released on Wednesday.

Although no group has officially claimed responsibility for the abduction, the terror group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, has reportedly claimed a wider wave of attacks in the country on the same day.

These included attacks on military and government buildings in Kayes, Diboli, Sandere, and other towns close to Senegal and Mauritania. The Malian armed forces confirmed these incidents, calling it a day of coordinated violence in both the western and central regions of the country.

Mali has been battling a growing Islamist insurgency since 2012. What began in the north has now spread across the country and into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. The current military-led government has been struggling to contain the violence, which involves jihadist groups, separatists, and criminal networks.

Indian government condemns attack, demands immediate action

India has issued a strong response, calling for urgent steps to rescue the kidnapped workers.

“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 MEA said.

The Indian embassy in Bamako is in continuous contact with Malian authorities, local police, and the management of the Diamond Cement Factory, the foreign ministry added.

“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,” the MEA's statement read.

Advisory for Indians in Mali

As a precaution, the ministry has also advised all Indian nationals in Mali to remain alert and stay in touch with the embassy for support and updates.

“Remain vigilant and stay in close contact with the Embassy of India in Bamako for regular updates and necessary assistance,” the statement urged.

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