65 Indians taken hostage in various countries: Govt

New Delhi: As many as 65 Indians were taken hostage in various countries during the period 2017-19, the government informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

In a written reply to a question in the Lower House, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said during the last few years, the government has undertaken special operations to facilitate return of Indian nationals from conflict and disaster-affected regions. "As per available information, 65 Indians have been taken hostage in various countries during the last two years and the current year," he said.

Out of the list of 65 Indians kidnapped, the maximum number of 32 was in Nigeria, 10 in Kenya, nine in Afghanistan, five in Myanmar, three in South Africa, two each in Cuba and South Sudan and one each in Iraq and Serbia, the minister informed the House.

"The safety and security of Indian nationals in foreign countries is a matter of foremost concern for the government. The government keeps a close watch on the situation in strife-torn countries and makes every effort to provide relief to the affected people and

evacuate them," Muraleedharan said.