Tehran, June 4: India on Wednesday thanked the Iranian government for its swift and effective efforts in securing the release of three kidnapped Indian citizens, emphasising that the timely support reflects “true spirit of friendship” that exists between the two nations.

“The three kidnapped Indian citizens have been safely rescued and are now under the care of the Embassy of India, which is facilitating their early repatriation. We sincerely thank the Government of Iran for their swift and effective efforts in securing their release,” the Embassy of India in Iran posted on X.

“Your support reflects the true spirit of friendship between two nations,” it added.

Late Tuesday, the Embassy of Iran in India confirmed that Tehran police had freed the missing individuals, citing a report from Media.

“Three missing Indian citizens freed by Tehran police. Local media in Iran say police have found and released three Indian men who had gone missing in Iran,” the Iranian Embassy stated.

The trio was reportedly rescued following a police operation targetting the hostage-takers in Varamin in south Tehran, Media reported.

According to reports, the three Indian men – all hailing from Punjab and identified as Jaspal Singh, Hushanpreet Singh, and Amritpal Singh – had disappeared shortly after landing in Tehran on May 1.

They were reportedly on their way to Australia after being promised lucrative jobs by a local travel company.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran had issued a statement on May 28, following an approach by the family members of the missing men, who expressed serious concern over their relatives’ sudden disappearance.

The statement read, “Family members of three Indian citizens have informed the Embassy of India that their relatives are missing after having travelled to Iran. The Embassy has strongly taken up this matter with the Iranian authorities and requested that the missing Indians should be urgently traced and their safety should be ensured. We are also keeping the family members regularly updated on the efforts being made by the Embassy.”

Reports also suggested that the families received ransom demands of Rs one crore from unknown individuals, with the threatening calls originating from Pakistani phone numbers.

The details raised serious alarm, prompting swift diplomatic engagement from both sides.

The Iranian Embassy in India, responding to the developments, stated that the case was being closely followed by the Consular Affairs Department of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Embassy also issued a warning to Indian citizens, advising them “not to be deceived by the promises of unauthorised individuals or illegal Indian agencies offering travel to other countries.”

India has also previously issued travel advisories for its nationals travelling to Iran, urging them to exercise caution, remain in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran and consulates, and avoid engagement with unverified travel agents or intermediaries.

Riyadh, June 4: Indian Hajj pilgrims are assisted by ‘Team India’ officials as the movement to Mina from Mecca begins, marking the start of the Five-Day Core Hajj Period in Saudi Arabia.

The team, in coordination with Saudi Authorities, is facilitating a smooth journey for all the pilgrims, underscoring India’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of all its citizens.

“Movement of Hajj pilgrims to Mina started today! ‘Team India’ officials are on duty to facilitate the movement of Indian Hajj pilgrims to smoothly avail the transport services to reach their designated camps in Mina,” the Indian Hajj Pilgrims office posted on X on Wednesday.

Indian officials were assisting vulnerable Hajj pilgrims in catching buses to Mina.

Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju extended wishes to the Indian pilgrims performing Hajj and ensuring assistance to them as the journey to Mina begins.

“My heartfelt wishes to all Indian pilgrims performing Hajj this year. Our Hajj Mission, led by officials & teams, is fully prepared in coordination with Saudi authorities. Admin and medical teams will be present in all Mina camps. For any assistance, use the Hajj Suvidha App or toll-free numbers. May your Hajj be smooth, blessed and spiritually fulfilling,” Rijiju posted on X.

Earlier on Monday, India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, addressed the Indian Hajj pilgrims ahead of the core rituals.

He extended his best wishes and assured them of full support, highlighting the presence of administrative and medical deputationists to assist pilgrims throughout the journey.

Meanwhile, India’s Consul General of Jeddah Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri chaired a briefing on arrangements for medical care and assistance in the Mashaer Region (Tent city of Mina and plains of Muzdalifah & Arafat) for Indian Hajj Pilgrims.

The session was attended by the Indian Consul (Hajj), Muhammed Abdul Jaleel, and officials, doctors and nurses from ‘Team India’ deployed in Hajj 2025.

Last week, Indians who embarked on Hajj pilgrimage appreciated the arrangements and quality of facilities offered by the Indian government to ensure a smooth and seamless journey for all in Saudi Arabia.

“Indian pilgrims who went for Hajj 2025 through the Hajj Committee of India are very happy with the management of the Government of India and the facilities being provided there. It is the constant endeavour of the Ministry of Minority Affairs to ensure a comfortable and dignified journey for every Hajj pilgrim,” the Ministry of Minority Affairs posted on X.

Additionally, Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurian also highlighted the dedicated efforts of the Centre in ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj for pilgrims.

Sydney, June 3: Australian scientists are using cutting-edge underwater robots to explore remote and largely uncharted reef systems in the South Pacific, the University of Sydney said on Tuesday.

As part of a major international expedition, Australian scientists are mapping deep-sea habitats and biodiversity near Norfolk Island, an isolated Australian territory 1,600 km northeast of Sydney, one of the South Pacific’s most ecologically important regions, according to a university press release.

Its location and mix of tropical and temperate ecosystems make it key to tracking species shifts and climate change impacts, the release said.

Equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors, the Autonomous Underwater Vehicles are capturing thousands of images to create 3D maps of the seafloor and document marine life in unprecedented detail, it said, adding underwater robots serve as the eyes and hands of scientists, safely exploring deep-sea areas beyond the reach of human divers.

“It’s the first time that parts of the seabed in the Norfolk Ridge will be imaged in this detail,” said Stefan Williams from the University of Sydney’s Australian Center for Robotics.

The expedition unites scientists from Australia and New Zealand to map the seafloor and collect marine specimens such as fish, corals, molluscs and algae to enhance knowledge of regional biodiversity, the researchers said.

“Norfolk Island is a key oceanic stepping stone for species between tropical New Caledonia and temperate New Zealand,” said Shane Ahyong, acting chief scientist at the Australian Museum Research Institute, leading the second phase of the Norfolk Island scientific expedition.