New Delhi, Jan 24: Although late in intervening, India has finally stepped up pressure seeking the release of the two Indian toddlers presently under foster care in Norway. The children of Indian NRI couples were taken away from their biological parents causing a lot of despair.

The Norwegian government hopes for an "acceptable" settlement but refused a time frame for the same.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna spearheading the case spoke to his Norwegian counterpart and summoned their Charge d'Affairs Aslak Brun.

Speaking to reporters after this, Krishna commented, "Given the children's very young age, removal from the care of their natural parents and to be placed in foster care till they turn eighteen is an extreme step which should normally be a last resort. The circumstances as known to the Indian government do not appear to justify such measures in the present case."

Hoping for an amicable solution to the issue, Krishna stated that CPI-M leader Brinda Karat also spoke to him in this regard. Admitting that there was a problem since the matter was before the Norway Court and the Norwegian judicial system was fixed on the matter, the only last straw is the involvement of the Indian mission and other stakeholders.

Charge d'Affairs Brun after the meeting with Krishna said, "We have a very close and good dialogue and both the governments have best interest of the children at heart. Through this constructive and close dialogue, we are very hopeful we will have settlement that will be both acceptable within Norwegian legal system and also in accordance with the legitimate concerns of the Indian government."

The case had sparked worldwide attention when Norway childcare service authorities visited the children and found that they were being fed by hand and they were sharing the bed with the parents. Both of this was unacceptable to the Norway authorities.

OneIndia News