Three Indians Abducted by Al-Qaeda-linked Group in Mali

India has expressed serious concern over the abduction of three Indian nationals in Mali following a wave of terrorist attacks across the West African country. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the three Indians, employed at Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, were taken hostage on July 1 during a coordinated terrorist attack.

According to the MEA, armed assailants stormed the factory and forcibly abducted the workers. Simultaneously, multiple military and government establishments across western and central Mali were targeted by militants. While no group officially claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has admitted to carrying out several other attacks that day.

In a statement, the Indian government condemned the abductions as a “deplorable act of violence” and urged Malian authorities to act swiftly. “The Government of India calls upon the Government of the Republic of Mali to take all necessary steps to secure the safe and prompt release of the abducted Indian nationals,” the statement read.

The incident highlights the worsening security situation in Mali, where extremist groups have intensified their attacks on both local and foreign entities. The Indian embassy in Mali is reportedly in close contact with local officials, and diplomatic channels are actively being used to negotiate the hostages' release.

This alarming development adds to concerns about Indian citizens working in high-risk regions. The government is likely to review safety protocols and issue fresh advisories for Indian nationals employed in volatile areas abroad.