The sailors were taken captive by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on January 2, 2022

Seven Indian sailors, in captivity of Yemen’s Houthi’s rebels since January 2, along with their UAE-flagged merchant ship Rwabee, have been released, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday.

The ministry was in touch with the UN mission to facilitate the release of the Indian sailors who were on the ship Rwabee.

Government of India had been exerting all efforts for the release of the Indian crew members over the past three months. It had been in touch with different parties to ensure the safety and well-being of the sailors during this time, the MEA said.

According to the Ministry, the sailors reached Muscat, Oman on April 24 and are expected to travel back to India shortly.

"Government of India would like to thank all concerned parties for the release of the Indian sailors, in particular the Government of Oman", said the MEA.

Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi had earlier confirmed that seven Indians were among 14 foreigners released from the Houthi-controlled Yemeni capital of Sanaa.

All of them were now safely in the care of Oman, he had said.