Five Indians abducted in Mali

Confirming the incident, the Indian Embassy in Bamako said it was working closely with the Mali authorities and their employer to ensure the victims’ safe return.

According to the Embassy, the abduction took place on November 6 in the country’s western region near Kobri town, which is plagued by insurgent activity.

The five workers were employed on an electrification project by a Mumbai-based company, Troying Rail Lighting. They were working at a remote site when armed assailants, reportedly linked to jihadist elements, intercepted them.

The victims hail from Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi and Tenkasi districts.

“The Embassy is aware of the unfortunate incident of kidnapping of five of our nationals in Mali on November 6, 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 Indian Embassy in Mali said in a statement.

Official sources said senior MEA officials were closely monitoring the evolving situation and remain engaged at various levels to facilitate the safe and early release of the Indian nationals.

The incident comes amid a sharply deteriorating security environment in Mali. The jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), linked to Al-Qaeda, has expanded its operations across the Sahel region and recently intensified attacks on highways, fuel convoys and remote industrial installations.

Several countries, including the US and UK, have issued travel advisories urging their citizens to leave Mali “if safe to do so”.

MEA sources said all options remain open. However, given the remote location of the abduction and the involvement of jihadist groups, officials cautioned that a prompt resolution could be challenging. Indian citizens in Mali have been urged to register with the Indian mission and exercise extreme caution.

Earlier in July, three Indian nationals employed at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, western Mali, were also kidnapped. With the latest incident, the number of Indians abducted in Mali this year has risen to eight.

Following the July episode, the MEA had issued an advisory urging all Indian citizens residing in Mali to exercise utmost caution, remain vigilant and stay in close contact with the Embassy of India in Bamako for updates and assistance.