Over 10,000 Indians are incarcerated in foreign jails, with 49 on death row. The majority are imprisoned in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The Indian government prioritizes the safety and well-being of these nationals and provides legal assistance and consular access. Reports also indicate significant capital punishment cases, especially in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
As of now, there are 10,150 Indians incarcerated in foreign jails, with 49 individuals sentenced to death. The highest numbers of these detainees are located in Saudi Arabia, where 2,633 Indians are imprisoned, and in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), housing 2,518 individuals. The Indian government informed the Rajya Sabha of these figures, emphasizing their commitment to the safety and well-being of Indian nationals abroad.
Additional data from the government indicates that Nepal ranks third in Indian incarcerations with 1,317 Indians detained. Other notable countries with substantial Indian prisoner populations include Qatar (611), Kuwait (387), Malaysia (338), Pakistan (266), China (173), the United States (169), Oman (148), and Russia and Myanmar, each with 27. The details were provided by Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, in response to queries from MP Abdul Wahab of the Indian Union Muslim League.
The statistics further reveal a worrying trend regarding capital punishment. Since 2020, Kuwait has executed or sentenced to death 25 Indians, the highest in this period, followed by Saudi Arabia with nine, Zimbabwe with seven, Malaysia with five, and Jamaica with one. There were no reported executions of Indians in the UAE between 2020 and 2024, although three individuals were executed in February 2023, including a nurse from Uttar Pradesh.
Regarding the 49 Indians currently on death row awaiting execution, the majority are held in the UAE (25) and Saudi Arabia (11), with others in Malaysia (6) and Kuwait (3). Furthermore, individuals from Indonesia, Qatar, the United States, and Yemen each have one representative on death row. The government’s efforts include consistent dialogue with local authorities to advocate for the release and repatriation of Indian detainees.
The Indian government ensures that nationals in foreign jails receive necessary support, including consular access, legal aid, and assistance with legal remedies such as appeals and mercy petitions. Their proactive approach reflects a deep concern for the rights and protection of Indians citizens abroad.
In summary, the presence of 10,150 Indians in various foreign prisons highlights the significant challenges faced by the Indian government in ensuring the safety of its nationals abroad. The reported cases of capital punishment, particularly in Kuwait and the UAE, emphasize the importance of diplomatic efforts for the repatriation and legal representation of these individuals. The government’s commitment to providing necessary legal support and monitoring the situation of these prisoners remains steadfast.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
