India is closely coordinating with Malian authorities to ensure the safe release of five Indian nationals who were kidnapped by armed men in western Mali last week, the Indian Embassy in Bamako confirmed on Sunday.
The abducted individuals, employed by a company involved in electrification projects, were taken captive near Kobri, a region in western Mali, amid the West African nation’s worsening unrest and escalating jihadist violence.
In an official statement, the Indian Embassy in Bamako said it was “aware of the unfortunate incident” that occurred on 6 November 2025.
“The Embassy has been working closely with the Malian authorities and the company concerned to secure their safe release as quickly as possible,” the statement read.
Officials have said that no group has yet claimed responsibility for the abduction, which took place on Thursday.
Rising jihadist violence in Mali
Mali, currently under a military junta, has been battling a prolonged insurgency led by extremist factions linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) group. The country has faced repeated coups and violent attacks since 2012, and kidnappings targeting foreigners have become increasingly common.
The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) — an Al-Qaeda affiliate — has tightened control over key parts of the country, imposing a severe fuel blockade and attacking convoys, highways, and security personnel. The blockade has crippled economic activity and deepened the humanitarian crisis in one of Africa’s poorest nations.
In recent months, JNIM has intensified operations targeting foreign nationals. In September 2025, two Emirati citizens and an Iranian were abducted near Bamako and released last week after a reported ransom payment of over $50 million, according to sources close to the negotiations.
International concerns and travel advisories
As Mali’s security situation worsens, several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany, have issued strong travel advisories urging their citizens to leave the country immediately due to the “unpredictable security environment.”
The Indian government has yet to release details on the identity of the kidnapped workers or the company involved but has assured that every effort is being made through diplomatic and local channels to ensure their early release.
Officials familiar with the matter said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi is in continuous contact with the Embassy and the Malian government.
The incident underscores the mounting risks for foreign workers and contractors operating in conflict-hit regions of Africa’s Sahel, where armed groups have expanded influence despite regional and international peacekeeping efforts.