Seven Indian sailors held in Yemen released: Omani foreign minister
New Delhi(PTI): Seven Indian sailors were among 14 foreigners released on Sunday from the Houthi-controlled Yemeni capital of Sanaa, Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said.
The Indian sailors and at least seven other people from different countries were held captive by Yemen's Houthi rebels after they seized a UAE-flagged merchant vessel over three months back.
Albusaidi confirmed the release of the 14 people including the Indians.
"Delighted to confirm that Captain Carlos Demata, Mohammed Jashim Khan, Ayenachew Mekonen, Dipash Moota Parambil, Akhil Reghu, Surya Hidayat Pratama, Sreejith Sajeevan, Mohammed Munwar Sameer, Sandeep Singh, Luke Symons and his wife and child, Maung Than, and Veera V S S G Vasamsetti have been released from custody in Yemen earlier today," he said in a statement posted on Twitter.
The Omani foreign minister said the people who were freed are now in the care of Oman.
"We are deeply grateful for the noble and humanitarian efforts made by many parties in good faith, not least the Yemeni leadership in Sanaa, to bring this to fruition," he said.
Oman's foreign ministry said all 14 people were taken on an Oman Royal Air Force plane to Muscat. Responding to Albusaidi's tweet, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked him for Oman's assistance in the matter.
"Thank you my friend @badralbusaidi for your help and assistance. Look forward to their safe homecoming," Jaishankar tweeted.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
India moving towards becoming global economic powerhouse: Kovind
_vb_69.jpeg)
Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.
The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.
"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.
The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.
He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.
