As of now, there are 10,152 Indians imprisoned abroad, with the highest number in Saudi Arabia at 2,633. Other notable countries include Nepal, Pakistan, and Qatar. Recent reports reveal several have faced capital punishment, with Kuwait leading in executions of Indian nationals. The government prioritizes citizens’ safety and faces challenges due to privacy laws during information sharing on prisoners.
Saudi Arabia currently holds the largest number of Indian nationals in foreign jails, totaling 2,633, as part of the broader count of 10,152 Indians imprisoned abroad. These individuals include both undertrial and convicted offenders. The figures were disclosed by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in the Rajya Sabha.
Other countries where Indian nationals are incarcerated include Nepal with 1,317 detainees, followed by Pakistan (266), Qatar (611), the UK (288), the US (169), China (173), Bahrain (181), Italy (168), Kuwait (387), Malaysia (338), and Sri Lanka (98). This illustrates the global distribution of Indian citizens facing legal issues.
Over the past five years, Indian citizens have faced capital punishment in several countries, notably Kuwait (26 cases), Saudi Arabia (9), Zimbabwe (7), Malaysia (5), and Jamaica (1). The UAE also leads in the number of Indians sentenced to death, totaling 25. Recent cases include the execution of Indian national Shehzadi from Uttar Pradesh for murder.
The government has reported that several Indian nationals have received death sentences in foreign jurisdictions, highlighting Saudi Arabia (11 cases), Malaysia (6), Kuwait (3), and at least one in Indonesia, Qatar, the US, and Yemen. However, the implementation of these sentences remains pending in many instances.
The Indian government emphasizes the strong privacy laws in many nations prevent local authorities from sharing prisoner information without consent. Even when information is shared, it often lacks comprehensive detail. The government prioritizes ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Indian citizens, particularly those incarcerated abroad.
In conclusion, the significant number of Indians imprisoned overseas, particularly in Saudi Arabia, underscores the global presence of legal challenges faced by Indian nationals. The government remains committed to managing the safety and welfare of these individuals while navigating complex privacy laws that hinder information sharing from foreign jurisdictions. Attention is drawn toward the alarming capital punishment stats, emphasizing the need for continued diplomacy and support for affected citizens.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
