Six Indian sailors freed after being held for nearly a year by Somali pirates have returned home.

Family members met the sailors during an emotional reunion at the New Delhi airport Friday.

Pirates freed the crew, which included 11 Egyptians, four Pakistanis and one Sri Lankan — after receiving a $2.1 million ransom, negotiated with the help of a Pakistan-based rights group.

Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna said the government was relieved with the sailors' release and thanked Pakistan for its help. He also called for more international coordination in fighting piracy.

The freed sailors recounted their ordeal after arriving home in India, saying they were tortured and nearly starved.