India has secured the release of two Indian traders tortured and taken captive by locals in a trading hub in China.

They have been safely brought to the consulate in Shanghai.

External Affairs Minister SM Krishna said after talks with the Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yan that he has been assured that Beijing was paying serious attention to the safety of Indian traders, Deepak Raheja and Shyam Sunder Agarwal.

Mr Krishna said the incident should not be blown out of proportion. The minister said the two countries agreed that the safety of the two Indians involved in a civil litigation in Yiwu is of utmost importance.

Asked about the return of the traders to India, Mr. Krishna said that Indian Consular Officers have met them and they will perhaps work out the details.

Chinese Ambassador Zhang said the authorities in Beijing are working hard to resolve the issue. Zhang also met Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs Gautam Bambawale and informed him about the incident.