The Indian government revealed that 10,152 nationals are imprisoned abroad, with 25 facing death sentences in the UAE. Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to assisting these individuals while detailing other serious cases in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and more. Recent executions of Indians have been noted in several countries over the past five years, although informal reports indicate no recent executions in the UAE.
The Indian government has disclosed that there are 10,152 Indian nationals currently imprisoned in foreign jails, with 25 of these individuals sentenced to death in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, provided this information in a written response to the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing the government’s dedication to the welfare of Indian nationals abroad.
Mr. Singh detailed the landscape of Indian prisoners abroad, noting the number of death sentences in various countries, including: 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.
The Indian authorities remain committed to assisting nationals facing capital punishment, enabling them to seek legal recourse, such as filing appeals or mercy petitions. “Indian Missions/Posts abroad provide all possible assistance to Indian nationals who have been sentenced, including with death sentences by the foreign courts,” Mr. Singh stated, ensuring that consular support is accessible.
In the past five years, there have been instances of Indian nationals facing capital punishment. Notably, three Indians were executed in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in 2024, with additional executions in previous years also reported. In contrast, Mr. Singh mentioned that between 2020 and 2024, although informal data from the Indian Mission indicates no Indians were executed in the UAE, official statistics from the UAE government remain unavailable.
The Indian government continues to monitor and advocate for the rights and safety of its citizens imprisoned abroad, highlighting the significance of their well-being in foreign jurisdictions.
The Indian government has reported a total of 10,152 Indian prisoners abroad, with serious concerns regarding death sentences in various countries, especially the UAE and Saudi Arabia. With a commitment to providing legal assistance and consular access, the government aims to protect the interests of its nationals. Despite instances of execution, particularly in Malaysia and Kuwait, recent information suggests no executions occurred in the UAE from 2020 to 2024, reflecting the complexities of international legal processes.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
