Italy will continue its efforts to free abducted nationals across the world, Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi said after an Italian was freed in India on Thursday.

Paolo Bosusco, a 54-year-old tour operator, was kidnapped on March 14 in the eastern district of Kandhamal in India by far left Naxal rebels along with his friend Claudio Colangelo, 61.

The group freed Colangelo 11 days later as a "goodwill gesture," but demanded the Indian government release at least seven jailed comrades in exchange for Bosusco.

Bosusco was freed after negotiations between Indian authorities and rebel-appointed mediators led to the release of the wife of Sabyasachi Panda, the leader of the rebel group.

"It was the news we were waiting for, and this result filled us with satisfaction," Terzi was quoted as saying by ANSA news agency.

Terzi stressed Italy will continue its efforts "with the same determination" to free the nine remaining Italian hostages abroad.

Two Italian marines have been jailed in India since February for shooting dead two local fishermen.