The Kuwait-based company, which employed the three Indians being held hostage in Iraq, said on Saturday it was negotiating with the kidnappers to free them as soon as possible.

The Kuwait and Gulf Link transport company said it was ready to take any measure to ensure their release. The company said it had no presence in Iraq and it was only transporting material and equipment urgently needed by Iraqis.

KGL Chairman and Managing Director Saeed Dashti said, "We had no business in the area where the hostages were taken. Their presence there was by mistake. They seem to have lost their way."

The Indian government said efforts were being made to ensure the hostages' early and safe return, while observing that 'these are delicate matters and it is in everybody's interest that we go very carefully on our public announcements.'

Indian External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh has spoken to the hostages' family members and the government is doing its best for their release, a Foreign Office spokesman said in New Delhi.

-- PTI