(Image source from: 39 captive Indians in Iraq still alive)

In today’s meeting, Modi discussed with Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian president, about the condition of Indian prisoners in Libya and Iraq.

It was confirmed by the ministry of external affairs (MEA) that a total of 39 Indians, taken as prisoners in Iraq by ISIS, are still alive and the necessary steps would be taken by the government to secure their release following collection of more information.

Vikas Swarup, official spokesperson of MEA, told the media that, "The Prime Minister asked the president to share with him any information he had regarding the condition of the Indians, to which the president replied saying that any information regarding this matter has constantly been transferred between India and Palestine and as soon as they receive any new information regarding the prisoners, they will let us know.”

39 Indian construction workers held captive in Iraq

For more than year, a group consisting 39 construction workers of India were held captive in Iraq, by the Islamic State in Mosul. The Indian government made many attempts to secure their release. President Abbas said that all the captive Indians taken by ISIS as prisoners are alive till now.

Earlier, near to the Libyan coastal city of Sirte, four Indians were detained. The Indians were detained form an area that is under Islamic State militants’ control.

-Sumana