Resolution of custody issue shows good bilateral ties: Norway

Oslo, Apr 24: Expressing satisfaction over settlement of the custody row involving two NRI children, Norway today said the resolution of the issue illustrated the "good relations" between the two countries.

The NRI kids Abhigyan and Aishwarya, who were kept in foster care by authorities in Norway for nearly a year, arrived here this morning after a Norwegian court yesterday handed them to their paternal uncle.

"The two governments have been working very closely and constructively in solving the case. It illustrates the good relationship between the two countries," Norwegian ambassador Ann Ollestad said.

A Norwegian court yesterday handed over the two children to their uncle, ending months of custody row that saw India stepping up diplomatic pressure on Norway to send them back.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna has already thanked Norway for releasing the children, who were received at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here by Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur.

"They belong to India. They are Indian nationals. I am confident that the uncle will take care of them in the environment of their extended family in India," Krishna said.

PTI