New Delhi, Mar 31 (IANS): External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday appreciated the efforts of Indian envoy in South Sudan, Srikumar Menon, in the release of two Indian engineers abducted there by rebels earlier in March.

"I am happy to inform about the release of two Indian nationals Midhun and Edward who were abducted in South Sudan. I appreciate the efforts of Indian Ambassador in South Sudan...," the minister tweeted.

The two men, Midhun Ganesh, 25, and A. Edward, 40, were abducted by the Sudan People's Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) on March 8 when they were on field work.

They are employed in the Operations and Maintenance Department of Dar Petroleum Production Company, South Sudan and belong to Tamil Nadu.

News of the release was tweeted on Thursday night by Ajay Raja, Production Operator at the company, who thanked the Minister for the release.

On March 9, Raja had appealed to Sushma Swaraj for her intervention following the abduction.

"Our 2 Indians kidnapped by criminals @SouthSudan while in field work since March 8, 17... Help mam."