Twenty-five Indian nationals are currently awaiting the implementation of death sentences in the UAE, the government informed Parliament on Thursday. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh shared this information in a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha.
The Ministry of External Affairs was asked about the number of Indians languishing in foreign prisons, as well as those facing capital punishment abroad, and what efforts the Indian government is making to save their lives.
“As per the information available with the Ministry, the number of Indian prisoners, including undertrials, in foreign prisons at present is 10,152,” Singh said.
The highest is in Saudi Arabia at 2,633 and in UAE it stands at 2,518. In Nepal, the number is 1,317, while 266 Indians are in the prisons of Pakistan.
The government prioritises the safety, security, and well-being of Indian nationals abroad, including those in foreign jails, he added.
Singh provided data on Indian nationals facing death sentences in eight countries. The numbers are as follows: 25 in the UAE, 11 in Saudi Arabia, six in Malaysia, three in Kuwait, and one each in Indonesia, Qatar, the US, and Yemen.
“Indian Missions/Posts abroad provide all possible assistance to Indian nationals who have been sentenced, including with death sentences by the foreign courts. Indian Missions/Posts also provide consular access by visiting the jails and follow up their cases with Courts, Jails, Public Prosecutors and other concerned agencies. The jailed Indian nationals are also assisted in exploring various legal remedies including filing of appeal, mercy petition etc,” Singh said.
The MEA was also asked whether any Indians have been executed or given capital punishment in foreign countries over the last five years.
Singh confirmed that executions have taken place in Malaysia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
The number of Indians executed or given capital punishment in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in 2024 was three each, while one Indian was executed in Zimbabwe.
