Over 10,000 Indians are imprisoned in foreign jails, with 49 on death row. Saudi Arabia and the UAE hold the highest numbers. The Indian government prioritizes the welfare of nationals abroad, offering legal support and monitoring prisons. Executions have occurred, especially in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and repatriation efforts are ongoing.
As of now, over 10,000 Indians are imprisoned in foreign jails, with 49 on death row, according to the government reported to the Rajya Sabha. The highest number of Indians imprisoned is in Saudi Arabia (2,633), followed closely by the United Arab Emirates (2,518). The safety and welfare of these nationals is a top priority for the Indian government, which actively monitors their conditions abroad.
The external affairs ministry, represented by Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh, indicated that Indian missions abroad are vigilant regarding the legal situations of Indian nationals who may have violated local laws. Following Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Nepal ranks third with 1,317 Indian nationals imprisoned, with significant numbers also in Qatar (611), Kuwait (387), Malaysia (338), Pakistan (266), and others.
Since 2020, there have been 25 executions of Indians in Kuwait, the highest among countries housing death row convicts. In Saudi Arabia, nine Indians have been executed, while Zimbabwe, Malaysia, and Jamaica have executed seven, five, and one respectively. The UAE has not disclosed execution numbers; however, three Indians were executed this year.
Among the 49 Indians sentenced to death, 25 are in the UAE, 11 in Saudi Arabia, six in Malaysia, and three in Kuwait. Additionally, one Indian national each is on death row in Indonesia, Qatar, the USA, and Yemen. The Indian government maintains ongoing discussions with local authorities regarding the release and repatriation of these individuals.
Indian missions abroad provide essential support, including consular access and legal aid, helping prisoners explore their legal options such as appeals and mercy petitions. The government emphasizes its commitment to ensuring the rights and safety of Indians incarcerated overseas.
The situation of Indians imprisoned abroad is complex, with over 10,000 individuals in various countries and 49 facing capital punishment. The Indian government prioritizes the safety and welfare of these nationals, ensuring legal support and monitoring their conditions in foreign jails. Ongoing communication with local authorities highlights India’s efforts towards repatriation and legal recourse for its citizens.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
