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Seven Indian sailors in Houthi captivity safe MEA

Articles & Photo Credit Goes to UNI INDIA

New Delhi, Feb 3 (UNI) The seven Indian sailors being held captive by the Houthis are safe, though the rebels have not allowed Indian officials or UN officials access to them. One of the men was allowed to speak with his wife on January 28, the MEA said on Thursday. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, in a briefing, said that “physical access to the crew has not been made available, including through the UN Mission for Hudaydah (UNMHA). “We remain in touch with various sources, including through our embassies in the region. “We do know that the captors allowed one of the Indian sailors to speak with his wife, I think it was on January 28. “The sailor told his wife that all the crew members are safe. “We'll continue to monitor the case and will share updates with you,” he added. In his last briefing, on January 28, the MEA spokesperson had informed that the seven Indian sailors, on board the seized UAE-flagged ship Rawabi, “are safe, in good health, and are being provided regular meals.” He said the Government of India is in touch with multiple sources, including the UN Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA), “to enquire about the safety and well-being of our sailors as well as to reinforce our message to the Houthis that our sailors should be released at the earliest.” The seven Indians are part of the crew of UAE-flagged ship Rawabi that was seized by Houthi rebels on January 2 off the port of Hodeidah (Yemen). India has urged the Houthis to release the men immediately. India has also condemned in the strongest terms the January 17 Houthi drone attack in Abu Dhabi in which two Indians and a Pakistani national were killed. India also said it is concerned at the recent intensification of fighting in Yemen and hoped that all parties come to the negotiating table to find a peaceful resolution to the Yemen issue. UNI/RN