Iraqi security forces in uniforms and plainclothes on the main road between Baghdad and Mosul, a day after fighters from ISIS took control of Mosul
The Iraqi government has identified the location of 40 Indians kidnapped near the captured city of Mosul, the foreign ministry said today.
It is not clear, however, whether they are being held by the Sunni insurgent group ISIS - which has waged war against the Iraqi government - or some other group.
"The Iraqi foreign ministry has told us they have been able to determine where the Indians are held captive," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said, adding that workers of other nationalities were also held captive.
(Watch)Asked whether they were safe, he said, "There is no safety in captivity. Safety is in places where people are welcome. As regards their location, we have an understanding but given that the matter is underway, we won't be able to share the location or what the Iraqis have shared."
Many of the Indians are from Punjab and worked for Baghdad-based construction company Tariq Noor al-Huda. No ransom demand had been made yet, the government reiterated today.
Families of 12 of these workers today met Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, who has said, "We are doing everything a government should. I am personally supervising the efforts. We will leave no stone unturned in keeping our countrymen safe." (
Also read - Kidnapped in Iraq: 'I could hear bombs as he spoke', says frantic wife)
About 100 Indian workers are trapped in areas overrun by the Al Qaeda-inspired insurgent group ISIS, including Mosul, Iraq's second largest city.
Their relatives feared that their return would be difficult as their passports had been taken away by their employers.
Mr Akbaruddin said, "Documentation is not an issue in the return and repatriation of any Indian national. Documentation can be sent by fax, other means."
ISIS fighters who aim to establish a Muslim caliphate across the Iraqi-Syrian frontier launched their revolt by seizing Mosul and have seized large swathes of northern Iraq while advancing towards Baghdad. (
Also Read: Battle for Iraq refinery as US hesitates to strike)
India has sent a senior diplomat to help in repatriation efforts.