Fr Tom Uzhunnalil New Delhi: External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj Tuesday held extensive talks with the deputy prime minister of Yemen during which she conveyed India's concern over the safety of Keralite priest Tom Uzhunnalil, who was abducted in the Arab country last year.
On his part, Abdulmalik Abduljalil Al-Mekhlafi told Swaraj that Fr Uzhunnalil was alive and the Yemen government was making all efforts to secure his release.
"The external affairs minister stressed the government's concern for the safety and well-being of Father Tom Uzhunnalil who was abducted in April 2016 from Aden and reiterated the request for continued assistance from the Yemeni authorities in securing his safe and early release," the ministry said in a statement after the meeting.
Al-Mekhlafi, who is also the foreign minister of Yemen, assured all cooperation to secure release of Fr Uzhunnalil.
Terror groups including the al Qaeda and the Islamic State are said to have bases in parts of Yemen resulting in instability in the country.
In the meeting, Swaraj thanked the Yemeni government for its whole-hearted cooperation and support in evacuation of Indian and foreign nationals from Yemen under the 'Operation Raahat' in March-April 2015.
India had evacuated 6,700 people, including the nationals of 41 countries, under the operation when internal strife in the Arab nation grew out of control.
The Yemeni deputy prime minister appreciated India for continuing to welcome Yemeni nationals, especially for higher studies and medical treatment.
"He requested increase in slots for Yemeni students as also facilitation of medical visas for the Yemeni patients as India has been their most preferred destination. The minister assured all possible assistance, including through supply of much-needed medicines at Yemen's request," the MEA said.
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