The Indian government reports that 10,152 Indian nationals are imprisoned in foreign countries, with 25 sentenced to death in the UAE. There are significant death sentences across various nations, including Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. The government provides legal assistance to these individuals. Recent executions of Indian nationals have occurred in several countries over the past five years, raising concerns about their safety and well-being.
The Indian government reported that 10,152 Indian nationals are currently imprisoned in foreign jails, with 25 of these individuals sentenced to death in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh provided this information in response to a query in Rajya Sabha, highlighting the government’s commitment to the security and well-being of Indian citizens abroad.
In his response, Mr. Singh highlighted that Indian prisoners face severe penalties across various countries. Specifically, there are 25 death sentences in the UAE, 11 in Saudi Arabia, six in Malaysia, three in Kuwait, and one each in Indonesia, Qatar, the US, and Yemen. These alarming statistics underscore the plight of Indian nationals facing capital punishment abroad.
The Indian government actively assists nationals facing death sentences by helping them explore legal avenues, including filing appeals and mercy petitions. Indian diplomatic missions abroad provide essential support by ensuring consular access, visiting prisoners in jails, and coordinating with local courts and prosecutors to follow up on their cases.
In the last five years, executions of Indian nationals took place in Malaysia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. In 2024, three executions occurred in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and one in Zimbabwe. The previous year, five executions were reported in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, with one in Malaysia, indicating a troubling trend regarding the treatment of Indian citizens abroad.
Regarding the situation in the UAE, Mr. Singh mentioned no Indians were reported executed between 2020 and 2024, although he acknowledged that “no data available as the same is not shared by the UAE authorities.” This lack of official data complicates efforts to fully understand the fate of Indian nationals in the region.
The situation of Indian prisoners abroad, particularly those on death row, highlights the complexities and risks faced by expatriates in foreign nations. The government’s emphasis on assisting these individuals demonstrates a commitment to their welfare. However, the alarming rise in capital punishment cases calls for a more robust international diplomatic approach and legal support for affected citizens.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
