Swaraj to seek Gulf nations' help to rescue Indians abducted in Iraq

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has convened a meeting on Sunday of all Indian envoys in Gulf countries and their ambassadors to India to assess the situation in Iraq and seek assistance from them in its rescue efforts for the 40 Indian nationals who have been abducted by the Sunni militant group, Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).

Swaraj has called Indian envoys and ambassadors of Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.

"We are knocking on all doors… The minister has called all Gulf envoys to assess the situation there (Iraq) and take the matter forward as far as assistance is concerned. This will be followed by another meeting in which ambassadors of all Gulf countries will attend," Syed Akbaruddin, spokesperson and joint secretary, ministry of external affairs (MEA), said on Saturday.

Meanwhile, MEA distanced itself from reports that the Indian Navy has deployed its warship - INS Mysore - in the Persian Gulf. Navy sources told PTI that it has been asked by the government to keep the warships on standby should the situation in Iraq worsens. The Navy, it seems, has also kept another battleship - INS Tarkash - deployed at the Gulf of Aden for assisting in evacuation operations.

On Friday, the cabinet secretary had held a meeting on the rescue operations of the Indian kidnapped in Iraq and also to evacuate the remaining Indian nationals.

"We cannot confirm anything at this point. This is a logistical issue. There is a contingency plan that is being worked out. We will use every resource we can. These are national assets and can be used whenever required," he added.

He also said the MEA has opened three camp offices in the Iraqi cities of Basra, Najaf and Karbala. These camps will be run by officials who have been sent there especially for helping out those Indians who are willing to come back and are not being able to due to some constraints.

These officials will provide all sorts of assistance pertaining to travel documents, contractual paperwork and even provide air-tickets if needed.

"These will be applicable to every Indian citizen working and present there. We will provide them all sorts of assistance," the spokesperson said.

He also confirmed that the 40 Indians who were kidnapped remain abducted, however, none have been harmed.