India has voiced strong concern over the abduction of three of its citizens in Mali, West Africa, after a coordinated attack on a cement factory where they were employed. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned the act as "deplorable" and is actively engaging with the Malian government to ensure the safe and swift release of the abducted Indian nationals. The incident occurred on July 1, 2025, when armed assailants stormed the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, taking the three Indian workers hostage.
The abduction took place amidst a series of coordinated attacks by suspected terrorist groups on multiple military and government installations across western and central Mali. While no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, the Al-Qaeda-linked Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has claimed responsibility for the coordinated attacks across Mali on the same day. The coordinated attacks targeted Diboli in western Mali near Senegal’s border, and the nearby towns of Kayes and Sandere. There were also attacks in Nioro du Sahel and Gogoui, northwest of the capital Bamako near the border with Mauritania, and in Molodo and Niono in central Mali.
The Indian government has unequivocally condemned the violence and called upon the Malian government to take all necessary measures to secure the safe and expeditious release of the abducted citizens. The MEA has stated that senior officials are closely monitoring the situation and are engaged at various levels to facilitate the safe and early return of the Indian nationals. The Indian Embassy in Bamako is in constant communication with Malian authorities, local law enforcement agencies, and the management of the Diamond Cement Factory. The embassy is also in touch with the families of the abducted workers, providing updates and support.
Furthermore, the MEA has advised all Indian citizens residing in Mali to exercise extreme caution, remain vigilant, and maintain close contact with the Indian Embassy in Bamako for regular updates and assistance. The ministry has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad and has assured that it will extend all possible support to secure the safe return of the abducted citizens at the earliest.
India and Mali have traditionally maintained friendly relations based on shared values, mutual trust, and goodwill. Both nations are part of the Non-Aligned Movement. India has been a close development partner of Mali, extending assistance in the form of concessional Lines of Credit, grant assistance, and capacity-building training. Mali has also been supportive of India on various international issues and supports India's candidacy for a permanent seat in a reformed Security Council.
The abduction of the Indian nationals underscores the challenging security situation in Mali, which has been grappling with a spiraling Islamist insurgency since 2012. The Indian government is working closely with Malian authorities to ensure the safe return of its citizens and has reiterated its commitment to supporting Mali in its efforts to restore peace and stability.
