Rescuing stranded Indians would take time: Security expert

Security expert Qamar Agha on Wednesday said bringing back Indians stranded in Iraq will take some time, and added that there was a need to exercise patience on the matter.

He said the area where 40 Indians were reportedly kidnapped is cut off from the whole world, adding, "Internet's not working there, and even though telephone does get connected, this happens only once in a while.

Agha said "Whatever can be done by the Indian government, will be done, as it has a lot of experience. Even earlier, there has been a similar situation from where the prisoners were brought alive."

He said that the foreign ministry is quite active and is taking stock of the situation every hour or so.

Agha said, "Former diplomats have been sent there for talks, and the nearby Indian embassies have also bonded to work together."

BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy today said that External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj is keeping a watch on the whole situation as it evolves.

He said, "Swaraj is in continuous touch with embassy in Baghdad, and is trying to find out what the situation in Iraq," adding, "The government will do its best to bring back Indians safely.