(a) whether the Government is aware of the kidnapping of Indian citizens in foreign countries;
(b) if so, the number of Indians so abducted abroad since 2003-04 till date; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to initiate talks with the concerned authorities to secure the release of abducted persons?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMED)
(a) & (b) Yes. The Government is aware of one recent case of kidnapping of an Indian national abroad, Shri Harish Hitange.
(c) The matter has been immediately and regularly taken up with the Polish authorities concerned, including at Ministers level, to secure the release of Shri Hitange. The Indian Embassy is also in touch with the family of Shri Hitange and Indian Association in Warsaw for coordinating action.