Spokesman of the Ministry of external Affairs (Mea) Randhir Jaiswal. | Photo Credit: Neither
India on Wednesday (July 2, 2025) expressed deep concern about the kidnapping of three Indian nationals in Mali in the middle of a series of terrorist attacks in various parts of the West African country.
The day after the Indians were kidnapped, the new Delhi called on the government of Mali on Wednesday to take all the necessary measures to ensure their “safe and fast” release.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its “deep concerns” regarding the kidnapping of Indians employed at the Kayes diamond cement factory.
“The incident occurred 1 July, when a group of armed invaders carried out a coordinated attack in the factory space and forcibly took three Indian nationals as a hostage,” Mea said.
There were no responsibility claims for the kidnapping.
Al-Qaeda Affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam Wal-Muslimmin (Jnim) demanded responsibility for coordinated attacks across Mali on Tuesday (July 1, 2025).
Mea said that the Indian embassy in Bamak is in “narrow and constant” communication with the relevant authorities, local coercive bodies, as well as the administration of the diamond cement factory.
He stated that the mission is also in contact with the family members of the kidnapped Indian nationals.
“The Indian government clearly condemns this pitiful violent act and calls on the government of Mali the Republic to take all the necessary measures to ensure the safe and rapid release of the kidnapped Indian nationals,” Mea said in a statement.
“The leaders of the ministry carefully monitor the evolving situation and remain at different levels to facilitate the safe and timely release of Indian nationals,” he said.
The Mea also recommended all Indians who are currently staying in Mali to have maximum caution, remained to be vigilant and remained in close contact with Bamak Embassy for regular updates and necessary assistance.
The ministry said it will extend all possible support to the Indians and “remains determined to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped Indian nationals first”.
Published – 3 July 2025 06:59 IS
