New Delhi: Indian aid worker Father Alexis Prem Kumar, who was abducted by the Taliban in Afghanistan, returned home on Sunday evening after eight months.

The release, which marks a diplomatic victory for the central government, came seven months after the government freed Indian nurses trapped in Iraq.

The Madurai Jesuit Province member was working with an NGO in Afghanistan’s Herat  province for the last three years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight over the release of Father Alexis Prem Kumar, who was abducted by the Taliban in June last year.

Delighted at securing the release of Indian Jesuit priest Father Alexis Prem Kumar from captivity in Afghanistan. Have spoken to Father Alexis Prem Kumar. Informed happy family of Father Alexis Prem Kumar of his safe return after 8 months in captivity," the Prime Minister tweeted.

The 47-year-old Indian Jesuit priest was kidnapped by unknown gunmen from Herat in June last year and was since being held as a captive in Afghanistan.