India asks US about 'enslaved' Indians in Iraq

India on Tuesday asked the US embassy in New Delhi for information about Indians who have allegedly been compelled to stay in Iraq.

Also Read 4 Indians trapped in US camp back home

The external affairs ministry today expressed its concern about 'disturbing reports about the conditions in which some Indian nationals are being forced to work for contractors active in Iraq', an MEA spokesperson said. He said that the US embassy had also been asked about the number of such Indians and for clarification on reports that those who wished to leave had been compelled to stay on against their will.

US embassy spokesperson said the matter was being studied.

"We take all reports of abuse seriously and all allegations of mistreatment are investigated," he said.

Four Keralites recruited by job agents and taken to a US military camp in Iraq recently narrated their nine-month ordeal after managing to escape.

One of them said, "We were slaves in American kitchens."

The Indian government has also ordered an investigation, following reports that over 1500 ex-servicemen were in Iraq despite a ban on going there.