India has confirmed that 25 of its nationals are sentenced to death in the UAE. Currently, a total of 10,152 Indian prisoners are abroad. Assistance is provided to those sentenced, including legal support. Reports indicate executions of Indians have occurred in other countries, with no executions noted in the UAE from 2020 to 2024.
The Indian government has confirmed that 25 nationals are currently sentenced to death in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), though executions have not been carried out. This was communicated by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in a response to the Rajya Sabha regarding the status of Indians imprisoned abroad. He noted that the total number of Indian prisoners, including undertrials, currently stands at 10,152.
Minister Singh highlighted that the safety and well-being of Indian nationals abroad remains a priority for the government. He provided statistics on Indians facing death sentences in eight different countries, revealing that these include 25 in the UAE, 11 in Saudi Arabia, six in Malaysia, three in Kuwait, and one each in Indonesia, Qatar, the United States, and Yemen.
He affirmed that Indian missions and posts overseas offer extensive support to nationals facing capital punishment, ensuring access to legal assistance and visits to their facilities. The Indian government actively follows up on cases with local courts, jails, and relevant authorities to explore possible remedies for the imprisoned.
When questioned about executions of Indians abroad in the last five years, Singh reported that several executions had occurred in Malaysia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. In 2024, there were three executions each in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and one in Zimbabwe, while 2023 also saw multiple executions in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. However, the UAE has not provided official data regarding executions, with informal reports indicating no Indian nationals have been executed from 2020 to 2024.
In summary, the Indian government’s acknowledgment of 25 nationals sentenced to death in the UAE underscores their ongoing commitment to support and safeguard Indian citizens abroad. With a substantial number of prisoners reported in foreign jails, the emphasis on legal assistance and consular support is critical. The government continues to monitor the situation and provides necessary interventions amidst reports of capital punishment around the globe.
Original Source: www.cnbctv18.com
