The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has voiced deep concern over the abduction of three Indian nationals from a factory in the Kayes region of Mali and has urged authorities in the West African country to ensure their "safe and expeditious" release.

"It has come to the knowledge of the Government of India that many military and government installations at multiple locations of western and central Mali were attacked by terrorists on 1 July," the MEA said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to news agency ANI, the attack took place at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes.