**Executive Summary**
This document is an answer from the Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs to Unstarred Question No. 1248 in Lok Sabha, dated 06/02/2026, regarding the abduction of five Indian nationals in Mali. The response details diplomatic efforts, communication with relevant parties, and measures to ensure the safety of Indian citizens abroad. The incident took place on 06 November 2025.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Abduction Details:**
* Five Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu working on an electrification project in Mali were abducted.
* They were employed by M/s Sri Vinayaka Power Engineering, a sub-contractor of Transrail Lighting Ltd.
* The abduction occurred on 06 November 2025, when armed assailants attacked the labour camp in Kobri village, Kayes region.
* **Government Action:**
* The Government of India, through its Embassy in Bamako, is coordinating with the Government of Mali for the safe and early release of the abducted nationals.
* The Government of Mali has assured cooperation for the safe release of the Indian nationals.
* The Embassy of India in Bamako is in regular contact with the employer of the abducted individuals.
* The Ministry has also communicated with the Embassy of Mali in India.
* **Communication:**
* The Government of India has received communication from the Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Board regarding the incident.
* The Government conveyed to the Board the steps being taken for the safe and early release of the nationals.
* **Security Measures:**
* The Government is coordinating with host governments to facilitate security arrangements for Indian nationals in high-risk regions abroad.
* Indian Missions issue advisories to alert citizens in areas with potential security risks, urging caution and adherence to safety measures.
* Missions maintain regular communication with Indian employers and community representatives to monitor developments and ensure the safety of Indian nationals.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Nationals Working in High-Risk Regions**
* **Impact:** Increased awareness of potential security risks and the need to adhere to safety advisories issued by Indian Missions.
* **Action Required:** Exercise caution, follow safety measures outlined in advisories, and maintain communication with employers and community representatives.
**Families of the Abducted Indian Nationals**
* **Impact:** Experiencing distress and concern for the safety and well-being of their family members.
* **Action Required:** Stay informed through official channels and cooperate with government efforts for the safe release of the abducted nationals.
**Indian Embassy in Bamako**
* **Impact:** Burdened with increased workload and responsibility to coordinate with local authorities and employers for the safe release of the abducted nationals.
* **Action Required:** Maintain regular communication with Malian authorities, employers, and the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safe and early release of the abducted Indian nationals.
**M/s Sri Vinayaka Power Engineering (Employer)**
* **Impact:** Impacted by the abduction of its employees and needs to cooperate with the Indian and Malian authorities.
* **Action Required:** Cooperate with the Indian Embassy in Bamako and Malian authorities, providing necessary information and assistance to facilitate the release of the abducted nationals.
**Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Board**
* **Impact:** Concerned about the safety of Indian nationals.
* **Action Required:** Await information and updates from the Government of India.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of External Affairs: The Indian ministry responsible for foreign relations, answering questions regarding abduction of Indian nationals in Mali.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Indian Parliament where the unstarred question was raised.
Mali: The country where the abduction of Indian nationals occurred.
Indian Embassy in Bamako: The Indian diplomatic mission in the capital of Mali, coordinating efforts for the safe release of the abducted citizens.
Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Board: Organization that communicated regarding the abduction of the five Indian nationals.
Government of India
Ministry of External Affairs
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 1248
ANSWER ON – 06/02/2026
Abduction of Indian Nationals in Mali
1248. Shri Eswarasamy K
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) Whether the Government is aware of the reported abduction of five
Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu working on an electrification project
in Mali, if so, the details thereof;
(b) The details of the diplomatic steps taken by the Government,
including coordination with the Indian Embassy in Bamako and
international agencies, to ensure their safe and early release;
(c) Whether any communication has been received from the Non-
Resident Tamils Welfare Board or the State Government of Tamil Nadu
regarding this incident and if so, the action taken thereon; and
(d) The measures being taken by the Government to ensure the safety
and security of Indian citizens employed in high-risk regions in
abroad?
1ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) The Ministry is aware of the abduction of five Indian nationals, who
were working on an electrification project in Mali, employed by M/s Sri
Vinayaka Power Engineering, a sub-contractor of Transrail Lighting Ltd.
On 06 November 2025, a group of armed assailants attacked the labour
camp in Kobri village, Kayes region and abducted five technicians who
were staying there.
(b) The Government of India, through its Embassy in Bamako, has taken up
the matter with the Government of Mali and is coordinating with Malian
authorities for safe and early release of the abducted Indian nationals.
The Government of Mali has assured of its cooperation for the safe release
of Indian nationals. Further, the Embassy of India in Bamako is in regular
contact with the employer of the abducted five Indian nationals. The
Ministry has also been in communication with the Embassy of Mali in India
in this regard.
2(c) Yes, the Government of India has received a communication from the
Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Board regarding the five Indian nationals and
conveyed them steps taken by the Government for their safe and early
release.
(d) The Government remains in close coordination with relevant host
Governments to facilitate appropriate security arrangements for Indian
nationals working in high risk regions abroad. In situations where the
security environment poses potential risks, Indian Missions issue
advisories, alerting Indian citizens to exercise caution and follow safety
measures. Missions remain in regular communication with Indian
employers and community representatives to monitor developments and
ensure the continued safety and well being of Indian nationals.
*****
3