On 18 June 2014, the Ministry of External Affairs in India confirmed that 40 Indian workers were abducted from the Iraqi city of Mosul. Neelam Deo, director at Gateway House and former ambassador, analyses the situation. Neelam Deo, director at Gateway House, comments on the abduction of 40 Indian workers in Iraq and analyses the security situation.
Statement:
“The Government of India has acted with commendable swiftness regarding the abduction of 40 Indian workers in Iraq. Suresh Reddy, former Indian Ambassador to Iraq, has been dispatched to work with the Iraqi Government and other influential persons and institutions that can be helpful in securing the safe release of the hostages.
The situation in Iraq is complex and changing rapidly. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and its associates have occupied much of northern Iraq, particularly the important city of Mosul, and are reportedly heading towards Baghdad. They are likely to have engaged in violence and atrocities against civilians and soldiers.
In such a situation India, and other countries whose nationals are working in Iraq, can be faced with complex and heart rending situations. The Indian government will need the cooperation of the government of Iraq and of neighbouring countries in the event that a large scale evacuation of the approximately 10,000 Indian nationals working in Iraq is to take place. In the past, India has successfully evacuated thousands of Indian citizens from Iraq in 1991 and from Lebanon in 2006”
For more information or interview requests, please contact Reetika Joshi at joshi.reetika@gatewayhouse.in.