New Delhi, July 3, 2025 – India has expressed grave concern over the abduction of three Indian nationals from Mali’s Kayes region, where they were working at the Diamond Cement Factory. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the incident occurred on July 1, when a group of armed assailants launched a coordinated attack on the factory premises and forcibly took the workers hostage.
The identities of the abducted individuals have not been publicly disclosed yet. While no group has officially claimed responsibility, the situation remains tense amid ongoing unrest in the West African nation.
India Condemns the Attack, Demands Immediate Action
In a strongly worded statement, the Government of India condemned the kidnapping as a “deplorable act of violence” and urged the Republic of Mali to take all possible measures to secure the “safe and expeditious release” of the abducted citizens.
“The incident is deeply distressing,” the MEA stated. “Our embassy in Bamako is in close and constant touch with local authorities, law enforcement agencies, and the management of Diamond Cement Factory to coordinate efforts for a safe resolution.”
No Group Claims Responsibility – But JNIM Activities Intensify
Though the kidnappers remain unidentified, the development comes just a day after the al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for multiple coordinated attacks across Mali. Security experts warn that these groups have been increasingly targeting foreign nationals and economic infrastructure in the region.
While JNIM has not directly linked itself to the Kayes factory attack, Indian authorities are not ruling out the possibility of their involvement, given the timing and method of the assault.
Families in Distress, MEA Offers Support
Indian officials are also in contact with the families of the abducted workers, offering updates and emotional support as the situation unfolds. The MEA assured that senior officials are closely monitoring the developments and remain in active communication with both local and international agencies.
The Indian government reaffirmed its commitment to ensure the safe return of the hostages, stating, “We will leave no stone unturned to bring our citizens home safely.”
Advisory for Indians in Mali: Stay Alert, Stay Connected
Amid heightened security concerns, the MEA has issued an advisory for all Indian nationals in Mali, urging them to:
- Exercise utmost caution in public areas
- Avoid unnecessary travel, especially to conflict-prone regions
- Remain in close contact with the Indian Embassy in Bamako
- Report any suspicious activity or threats immediately
The embassy is also providing 24/7 assistance to Indian citizens and continues to coordinate with Malian security forces.
Rising Threats in West Africa: A Growing Concern
The abduction comes against the backdrop of escalating violence in West Africa, where jihadist groups have exploited political instability to expand their operations. In recent years, foreign nationals, particularly engineers, factory workers, and aid personnel, have been increasingly targeted.
India has a small but active expatriate workforce in the region, working primarily in construction, mining, and industrial sectors. This incident underscores the need for enhanced security protocols for Indian workers abroad, especially in conflict-sensitive zones.
India’s Diplomatic Outreach on High Alert
As the situation develops, the Indian government is expected to ramp up diplomatic outreach not only with Mali but also with international partners in the region, including UN peacekeeping missions and West African security coalitions.
Sources within the MEA indicate that behind-the-scenes negotiations and high-level diplomatic interventions are already underway.
Hope Amidst Uncertainty
While the kidnapping of three innocent Indian nationals is a deeply alarming development, the Indian government’s swift response and active diplomatic engagement offer a ray of hope. Families wait anxiously, but the nation stands united in demanding their safe and speedy return.
The story continues to develop, and further updates from the Indian Embassy in Bamako and local Malian authorities are expected in the coming days.
