Twenty-five Indian nationals have been sentenced to death in the UAE, with executions pending. The Indian government reported a total of 10,152 Indian prisoners abroad. Assistance is provided by Indian Missions for those facing capital punishment. Recent data shows instances of execution in other countries, but no official executions of Indians in the UAE from 2020 to 2024.
The Indian government has confirmed that 25 Indian nationals are currently sentenced to death in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as reported on March 20. This information was provided by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in a written response during a Rajya Sabha session. He noted that there are a total of 10,152 Indian prisoners, including undertrials, in foreign prisons.
Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad, including those facing capital punishment. He disclosed data on Indians sentenced to death across eight countries, which includes 25 in the UAE, 11 in Saudi Arabia, six in Malaysia, three in Kuwait, and individuals in Indonesia, Qatar, the United States, and Yemen.
In support of Indian nationals facing death sentences, Indian Missions and Posts provide extensive assistance, including legal aid and consular access. They follow up on cases with various judicial entities and assist prisoners in exploring legal remedies, such as appeals and mercy petitions.
In response to concerns regarding executions of Indians abroad, Singh informed that several executions have taken place in the last five years across countries like Malaysia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Notably, in 2024, there were three executions in both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, along with one execution in Zimbabwe, alongside multiple executions in prior years.
However, the UAE has not officially disclosed information regarding executions. Singh indicated that, according to informal channels, there have been no executions of Indian nationals in the UAE from 2020 to 2024.
In summary, the Indian government is actively monitoring the cases of its nationals sentenced to death abroad, particularly in the UAE. The present situation includes critical numbers of Indians imprisoned internationally, with a focus on providing legal support and assistance in navigating complex judicial systems. Despite some instances of execution in various countries, the UAE has not reported any executions of Indian nationals in recent years.
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