New Delhi, July 03: The government has expressed serious concern over the abduction of three Indian nationals from a cement factory in Mali following a string of coordinated terror attacks across the West African nation.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the incident occurred on July 1 at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, western Mali, where armed assailants stormed the premises and forcibly took three Indian employees’ hostage. The abduction is believed to be part of a wider wave of terrorist attacks on military and government installations in western and central Mali on the same day.
India’s Embassy in Bamako is working closely with Malian authorities, local law enforcement, and the management of the Diamond Cement Factory to ensure the safe release of the hostages. The embassy is also in regular touch with the families of the abducted Indians.
Calling the abduction a “deplorable act of violence,” the MEA has urged the Government of Mali to take immediate and comprehensive steps to secure the safe and swift release of the Indian nationals. Senior Indian officials are monitoring the situation and remain engaged with counterparts in Mali.
“The safety, security, and welfare of Indian nationals abroad remains a matter of utmost priority,” the MEA stated, while advising all Indian citizens in Mali to exercise extreme caution, stay alert, and maintain close contact with the Indian Embassy in Bamako.
The ministry assured that it will continue to provide all necessary support to ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals.
