In pictures: Indian hostages return home

1 of 6 Relatives of the Indian hostages held in Iraq were joined by huge crowds as they waited for the return of their loved ones at Delhi's international airport.

2 of 6 As soon as the truck drivers touched Indian soil, they were greeted by all sorts of officials, including here the president of the All India Anti-Terrorist Front.

3 of 6 Tilak Raj was given the task of addressing the media. "Only God knows what we went through," he told correspondents.

4 of 6 Islamic militants of the previously unknown Black Banners brigade had threatened to kill the Indians unless the Kuwaiti firm they worked for pulled out of Iraq.

5 of 6 Their ordeal had placed a terrible strain on their families back in India who had spent their days waiting for news.

6 of 6 On Friday the hostages were able to embark on the final leg of their long journey home.