With the hostage drama in Iraq entering the seventh day, India on Tuesday made a fresh appeal for the early release of three Indians held captive as  negotiations to free them were reportedly progressing "very well".

The Crisis Management Group, set up to deal with the hostage drama, held a three-hour meeting this evening to review the situation.

The Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahmed, who is heading the group, said, "Negotiations are progressing very well. I am optimistic that there will be a positive outcome."

"Because of the delicate nature of the  negotiations, details cannot be given at this juncture," he said.

Ahmed said he has made another appeal for the release of Antaryami, Tilak Raj and Sukhdeo Singh 'as early as
possible'.

He said Kuwait and Gulf Link Transportation Company (KGL), who employed the Indians, has reiterated that it was  prepared to take all possible steps to secure the release of the hostages.

Asked about the condition of the hostages, Ahmed said KGL has reconfirmed that the kidnapped Indians 'are safe, unharmed and being treated well'.

He said the transport company has assured to do everything possible to secure their early release.

Officers of the External Affairs Ministry are in touch with the families of the hostages, the minister said.