3 Indian nationals abducted in Mali amid Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist attack; Urgent action demanded from Government of India

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep concern over the abduction of three Indians in Mali. They were employed at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes and were trapped in a hostage situation since July 1. This comes after Al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks across Mali on Tuesday. MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, expressed his “deep concern” regarding this action from armed assailants who “carried out a coordinated attack”. The Indian embassy in Bamako is in “close and constant” contact with the officials.

“The government of India unequivocally condemns this deplorable act of violence and calls upon the government of the Republic of Mali to take all necessary measures to secure the safe and expeditious release of the abducted Indian nationals,” the MEA said in a statement.