The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has voiced significant concern regarding the kidnapping of three Indian workers from a factory located in Mali’s Kayes region, urging the West African authorities to guarantee their “safe and swift” recovery.

“The Government of India has been informed that numerous military and governmental facilities across various sites in western and central Mali were assaulted by terrorists on July 1,” the MEA stated in a release on Wednesday.

The armed assault occurred at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes.

In condemning the event, the MEA noted that the Indian embassy in Bamako maintains ongoing communication with local authorities, security forces, and the families of the kidnapped workers.

In its announcement, the MEA characterized the act as “deplorable” and reiterated India’s firm position against violence directed at its citizens overseas.

The Embassy of India in Bamako is actively engaged in close and continuous dialogue with the pertinent authorities of the Government of Mali, local law enforcement, and the management of Diamond Cement Factory,” the MEA’s statement concluded.