Indian Embassy Pursues Safe Release of Ranjit Singh Kidnapped in Niger

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The Indian Embassy in Niger is working closely with local authorities to secure the safe release of Ranjit Singh, an Indian national abducted during a terror attack in the West African country’s Dosso region on July 15. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed ongoing diplomatic engagement to locate and rescue Singh, a resident of Ramban district in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the MEA, Singh was among three Indian workers targeted in the attack on a construction site. The other two victims, Ganesh Karmali and Krishna Gupta, lost their lives, and their mortal remains have since been repatriated to India.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh shared updates on social media, citing a letter from the MEA that assured continuous efforts for Singh’s safety. “The Indian embassy is in regular contact with the host government for the safety and release of Ranjit Singh. Every effort is being made to obtain information about his whereabouts as early as possible,” the letter stated.

Ravi Singh Thakur, Private Secretary to the Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, outlined the embassy’s high-level diplomatic outreach. He met Niger’s Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 16, followed by meetings with the Minister of Interior on July 24 and the Minister for Commerce and Industries on July 30. During these engagements, Indian officials requested updates on Singh’s condition and location, urging immediate action for his release.

While no confirmed information on Singh’s current status has been received, a fresh diplomatic note has been sent to the Nigerien authorities seeking a progress report. The MEA has assured that any developments will be promptly communicated to Singh’s family and the public.

The incident highlights the risks faced by Indian workers in conflict-prone regions and underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on securing Singh’s safe return through sustained diplomatic pressure and coordination with Niger’s government.