India on Wednesday expressed serious concern over the abduction of three of its nationals in Mali amid a wave of attacks in the West African country. The three Indians, “employed at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes”, were taken hostage during a coordinated assault on July 1.

India has condemned the incident as a “deplorable act of violence”. “The Government of India… 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 MEA said that the Indian Embassy in Bamako is in “close and constant” communication with the relevant Malian authorities, local law enforcement agencies, and the management of the Diamond Cement Factory. It added that the mission is also in touch with the families of the abducted Indian nationals.