Even as 39 Indian workers remain captive in Iraq, India is hopeful of their early release. Indian authorities in New Delhi said, “The doors it has been knocking for release of Indians are opening up now.” However, officials did not go into the details due to security concerns for those in captivity.
Meanwhile, 17 Indians rescued in Iraq from the conflict zone were brought to Baghdad and are now heading home. Indian mission in Baghdad is also in touch with 46 nurses in Tikrit and they are reported to be safe too.
“The abducted Indians in Iraq remain in captivity but have not been hurt. We are also in touch with the 46 nurses, and I can confirm they are all safe,” said Syed Akbaruddin, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs. India is at the moment not contemplating sending its Air Force planes or troops for securing the release of Indians or evacuating others who are stranded. Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said “I am not going to speculate at the moment” when asked specifically on this point.
On Monday, India issued fresh advisory for its citizens living in Iraq to leave the country through any commercial means keeping in mind fragile security situation in the country. “Due to the uncertain and difficult security environment, Indian nationals in Iraq are again advised to remain indoors if they are in conflict-prone areas, and to leave the country on voluntary basis by commercial means, in areas where it is safe to do so. Indian nationals are advised to refrain from undertaking travel to Iraq until further notice. Airports in the cities of Erbil, Baghdad, Basra and Najaf are reported to be operational at present,” the advisory said.
Airports at Baghdad, Najaf and Basra are operational and the Indian embassy in Baghdad is setting up offices in Najaf, Karbala and Basra to assist Indians. The Indian embassy officials along with Iraqi officials are also setting up a joint committee to help those who want to leave, but have immigration problems.