5 Indian Nationals Abducted in Mali; Embassy Working for 'Safe Release'

Five Indian nationals have been abducted in Mali, the Indian embassy in the West African nation said on Sunday, adding that efforts are underway to ensure their "safe release". The kidnapping took place

on November 6 near Kobri in western Mali, according to local reports and company officials. Gunmen intercepted a team of Indian workers employed by a company engaged in electrification projects in the region, reported AFP.“The Embassy is aware of the unfortunate incident of kidnapping of five of our nationals in Mali on 6 Nov 2025,” the Indian mission said in a post on X.“The Embassy has been working closely with the authorities and the company concerned to secure their safe release as quickly as possible,” it added.A representative of the company confirmed to AFP that five Indian nationals were abducted. “The other Indians working for the company have been evacuated to Bamako,” the capital, he said.No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction so far. Mali has been battling spiralling violence from jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, as well as rising criminal activity. The country, under military rule, has witnessed frequent kidnappings of foreign nationals.In September, Al-Qaeda-linked militants kidnapped two Emirati nationals and an Iranian near Bamako. They were released last week after a ransom of at least USD 50 million was reportedly paid.Earlier in July this year, three Indian nationals employed at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, Republic of Mali, were abducted. The incident occurred on July 1, when a group of armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack at the factory premises and forcibly took three Indian nationals as hostages.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had expressed “deep concern” over the abductions and said the government is working through diplomatic channels to secure the release of the hostages.“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 ministry said in a statement.It added that the safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad remains “a matter of utmost priority” and advised citizens in Mali to remain vigilant and in close contact with the Indian Embassy in Bamako for updates and assistance.