40 Indian nationals stranded in strife-torn Iraq will return home safely on Tuesday while efforts to rescue others are underway.

Briefing reporters in New Delhi today, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said 46 Indian nurses, who are in capitivity, are unharmed and the Ministry is in touch with them.

On today's meeting of Indian envoys in Gulf countries chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi, the spokesperson said it was decided that some money from Indian Community Welfare Fund will be transferred to Indian mission in Baghdad for assistance to Indian nationals.

He said Mrs Swaraj also had a meeting with the ambassadors of Gulf countries. The meeting was aimed at exploring what assistance the ambassadors can extend on behalf of their countries to help out Indians in conflict zone.