Islamabad: Iraqi authorities have identified the people responsible for the abduction of three Indians in the war-ravaged country, External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh said today (July 23, 2004).

"They (Iraqis) are in constant touch (with the Indian Government). They have identified the people who were responsible for this," Singh told reporters in Islamabad before leaving for New Delhi after a five-day visit to Pakistan. He said the Indian Government has received a message from Iraq that every effort is being made to secure the release of the hostages.

The three Indians were kidnapped on Wednesday along with three Kenyans and an Egyptian. All seven were working as truck drivers for the Kuwaiti company KGL.