Location identified; India seeks help from Saudi Arabia, Qatar to rescue Indians kidnapped in Iraq

NEW DELHI: The Iraqi administration has managed to identify the location where the 40 abducted construction workers are lodged even as New Delhi approached Saudi Arabia and Qatar — the two countries with leverage in the region — to establish contact with the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) for negotiations for their release.

“We have been informed by the Iraqi foreign ministry that they have been able to determine the location of where these abducted Indian nationals are being held captive with workers of a few other nationalities,” MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.

When asked about the location of the kidnapped Indians, he refused to divulge details indicating sensitivity on the matter. “At this stage I will not be able to share information on either location of that place or what the Iraqi authorities had shared with us.”

Official sources indicated to ET that the government has approached both Saudi Arabia and Qatar to negotiate with ISIS for release of the captives. Both the Sunni-majority countries have influence in the region and can assist in negotiations with ISIS, sources informed. It is also learnt that the US has also approached Saudi administration to penetrate ISIS and secure release of kidnapped Indians. India is working on specific inputs and leads to negotiate with the jihadist group, official sources hinted on condition of anonymity.

India is also in touch with Israel. Israel has information about various terror groups active in the region. New Delhi has established contact with Iran and Turkey and Kurdistan officials to assist in the mission.