As of now, 10,152 Indians are imprisoned in foreign jails, with 2,633 located in Saudi Arabia. The Indian government has reported various cases of capital punishment for Indian nationals in several countries alongside the challenges of information sharing due to strict privacy laws.
Currently, a total of 10,152 Indians are confined in foreign jails, with the majority, 2,633, in Saudi Arabia. This statistic includes individuals who are either under trial or have been convicted. The information was disclosed by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, in the Rajya Sabha.
In addition to Saudi Arabia, significant numbers of Indians are imprisoned in Nepal (1,317), Pakistan (266), Qatar (611), the United Kingdom (288), the United States (169), and other nations. The precise count in various countries includes China (173), Bahrain (181), Italy (168), Kuwait (387), Malaysia (338), and Sri Lanka (98).
Over the last five years, Indian nationals have faced capital punishment in multiple countries: Kuwait (26 cases), Saudi Arabia (9), Zimbabwe (7), Malaysia (5), and Jamaica (1). The United Arab Emirates has issued the most death sentences to Indian nationals, totaling 25. Recently, an Indian national, Shehzadi from Uttar Pradesh, was executed for murder. Other instances of death penalties have been reported in Saudi Arabia (11), Malaysia (6), and Kuwait (3), with pending cases in Indonesia, Qatar, the US, and Yemen.
The Indian government has expressed concern that many countries have stringent privacy laws, which limit the sharing of information about prisoners unless the individual consents. Additionally, nations that do provide information tend to offer minimal details about foreign nationals held in their custody.
The Indian government emphasizes its commitment to the safety, security, and welfare of Indian citizens abroad, particularly those incarcerated in foreign prisons.
In summary, the alarming statistic of 10,152 Indians imprisoned worldwide, particularly in Saudi Arabia, highlights a significant issue. With many facing severe penalties, including capital punishment, the Indian government prioritizes the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad amidst challenges posed by international privacy laws.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
