Efforts on to ensure release of Indian nationals from Sirte: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday said that the Indian mission in Tripoli is making enquiries with regard to the two missing Indian nationals from Sirte and all efforts are being made to ensure their well-being and secure their early release.

MEA official spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that two Indian nationals, one from Odisha and the other from Andhra Pradesh, have apparently being taken from Sirte where they had been working and detained.

"Our mission in Tripoli is making further enquiries for confirmation of the incident and is touch with the local people who can help in securing release of the two Indian nationals. The matter has also being taken up at the diplomatic level. All efforts are being made to ensure the well-being and secure early release of our nationals," he added.

Four Indians had earlier been detained near the Libyan coastal city of Sirte, an area that is under the control of Islamic State militants.