Iraq has sought India’s help in rebuilding the country, devastated due to its fight with the Islamic terror group ISIS.
Iraq’s Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari made the request during his meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj earlier this week. While congratulating the Iraqi FM over the recent liberation of the strategic city of Mosul on July 9 by the Iraqi forces from the control, Swaraj expressed India’s support for Iraq in its war against terrorism. She assured al-Jaafari that India had always been, and remained strongly committed to a stable, peaceful, united and democratic Iraq.
Minister of State, MEA, Gen VK Singh (Retd.) was the first senior foreign dignitary to visit Iraq after the liberation of Mosul. EAM reiterated Indian Government’s request for tracing the 39 Indians who were abducted in Mosul in June 2014. Swaraj requested the Iraqi leader to facilitate the visit of Singh to Badush whenever there was more information. She said Singh’s visit will be more meaningful if there is more information with the Iraqi Government.
During his meeting with Swaraj, al-Jaafari invited Indian companies in this regard. He appreciated India’s support to Iraq during its difficult times, including the capacity-building under the ITEC programme and highlighted that India continued to welcome Iraqi nationals, especially for higher studies and medical treatment. Swaraj thanked Iraq for contributing significantly to India’s energy security, being the second-largest supplier of crude oil to us.