No ransom calls for 40 kidnapped Indians, says MEA

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin on Wednesday said that no ransom calls had been received as yet for the 40 Indians who have remained uncontactable in Iraq, and added that the location of the alleged kidnapping is unknown.

"We have not received calls from anyone who has indicated about ransom or who has taken these workers under control. No ransom calls have been received by India yet and the International Red Crescent also does not know the location of the Indian workers," said Syed Akbaruddin.

"We are working with humanitarian organisations, and are in contact with the International Red Crescent and the Iraqi Government. We are willing to work with every individual or organisation who wishes to assist us with this difficult situation," he said.

"We cannot get into operational details about who we are talking with," he added.

He further said, "First, lots of Indians are leaving from Najaf on Friday, as they are feeling insecure. The Tikrit and Mosul surface route is not safe for movement for the people who want to leave," Syed Akbaruddin said.

"We intend to increase our embassy's effectiveness, and are trying our best on all fronts. We will leave no stone unturned in saving Indian nationals in Iraq," he added.

Forty Indians have been reported kidnapped from Mosul in Iraq, spreading panic among Indian citizens in the country.