MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin's media briefing today:

Akbaruddin says the situation of Indian nationals in Iraq remains an issue of importance for the government. "In the zone of conflict, there are limited number of Indian nationals. They remain in captivity but are not harmed and safe. We are issuing an advisory telling all Indian nationals they can use commercial flights if they wish to leave, we will provide assistance. Our helpline Nos in Baghdad are working 24-7 for all kinds of assistance to Indian nationals. We have decided to set up our offices in Najaf, Karbala and Basra to provide assistance," he says.