Sushma Swaraj denies ISIS abductee Masih's claim that all 39 abducted Indians are dead

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has denied reports that 39 Indians abducted in Iraq have been killed by Islamic State.

One of 40 ISIS abductees, Harjit Masih, returned to India escaping the terror group, and has claimed that the Islamic State killed all 39 remaining abductees.

Swaraj said, "I do not believe Harjit Masih's claims that 39 Indians were killed," and added, "I've met family members of Indian nationals who are stranded in Iraq, had discussions with them."

Talking to reporters in Delhi, Swaraj said that said that she earlier had six sources, now eight. She had verified from all 8 sources that the Indians were safe.

"Eighth source is (also) reliable, there's no point in doubting my source. There is only Masih who is saying they are dead, whereas eight sources are claiming they are alive," she said.