India Condemns Kidnapping of Three Nationals in Mali, Seeks Swift Action
India has expressed deep concern and strongly condemned the abduction of three Indian nationals in the West African nation of Mali, urging the local authorities to act urgently for their safe release. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the incident as a “deplorable act of violence” and has stepped up diplomatic efforts to coordinate rescue and protection operations.
Indians Kidnapped in Mali
The three Indian citizens were working as employees at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, western Mali. On July 1, a group of heavily armed insurgents stormed the factory and took the three individuals hostage. The attack appeared to be part of a broader wave of armed assaults taking place in the region, including hits on government and military facilities. While no group has officially claimed responsibility, the style and coordination of the attack mirror those typically carried out by extremist organizations such as Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a known Al-Qaeda affiliate active in the Sahel region.
Local Malian media reported that the factory was one of several soft targets hit in a sudden escalation of militant activity, raising alarm over foreign workers’ safety in a country already struggling with political instability and civil unrest.
MEA’s Response and Diplomatic Pressure
India’s Ministry of External Affairs wasted no time in issuing a formal protest and demanded that the Malian government take all necessary steps to locate and secure the safe release of the abducted nationals. The Indian embassy in Bamako has been in constant contact with Malian officials, factory representatives, and the families of the hostages. Senior officials in New Delhi are monitoring the situation closely.
A spokesperson from the MEA stated that “India considers this an extremely serious matter and expects the Malian government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of the hostages.” Diplomatic backchannels are also being activated to coordinate with international partners who may have intelligence or operational influence in the region.
Safety Advisory for Indian Nationals
The MEA has also issued a public advisory urging all Indian nationals residing or working in Mali to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, stay in secure locations, and keep regular contact with the Indian embassy. The advisory stressed that the current security situation is unpredictable and deteriorating, and Indian citizens should follow all local alerts and embassy guidance.
Rising Threat to Foreign Nationals
Mali has been grappling with frequent insurgent attacks, especially since the 2020 military coup that destabilized the central government. Armed groups have taken advantage of the chaos to expand their influence, often targeting foreign workers, aid agencies, and infrastructure projects. Kidnappings for ransom have become a disturbing trend in the region, with militants using hostages as leverage against both national and international actors.
The latest incident brings renewed attention to the dangers faced by Indian workers abroad, particularly in conflict-prone zones where insurgent activity and weak local governance intersect. It also highlights the challenges India faces in ensuring the safety of its diaspora amid growing global unrest.
