A total of 10,152 Indians are imprisoned abroad, with 2,633 in Saudi Arabia. Other notable figures include 1,317 in Nepal and various others across different countries. In recent years, India faced several cases of capital punishment for its citizens overseas, with UAE recording the highest. The government is committed to addressing the welfare of Indians in foreign jails amidst challenges in information access.
Recent data indicates that a total of 10,152 Indians are currently in foreign jails, with Saudi Arabia housing the most significant number, encompassing 2,633 individuals. These detainees consist of both undertrials and those convicted of crimes. The information was presented in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh.
Additional statistics reveal that Indians are also imprisoned in various other countries: 1,317 in Nepal, 266 in Pakistan, 611 in Qatar, 288 in the United Kingdom, 169 in the United States, 173 in China, 181 in Bahrain, 168 in Italy, 387 in Kuwait, 338 in Malaysia, and 98 in Sri Lanka.
Within the past five years (2020-2024), several Indian citizens have faced capital punishment in foreign jurisdictions, with Kuwait recording 26 cases, followed by Saudi Arabia with 9, Zimbabwe with 7, Malaysia with 5, and Jamaica with 1. The United Arab Emirates has notably awarded the most death sentences to Indians, totaling 25 cases. Recently, an Indian national, Shehzadi from Uttar Pradesh, was executed for murder.
The data also highlights that Indians have reportedly faced death sentences in various countries, including 11 in Saudi Arabia, 6 in Malaysia, and 3 in Kuwait, with also one case each in Indonesia, Qatar, the United States, and Yemen. However, the execution of these sentences remains pending.
The Indian government elaborates that strong privacy laws in many nations restrict the sharing of prisoner’s information unless there is consent from the individuals involved. Moreover, even when information is shared, the details regarding the foreign nationals imprisoned are often limited, presenting challenges in obtaining comprehensive data.
In conclusion, the Indian government prioritizes the safety and security of its nationals, particularly those incarcerated abroad. Emphasis is placed on protecting the welfare of Indian citizens in foreign judicial systems and enhancing awareness of their situations.
In summary, the significant presence of Indian nationals in foreign jails, particularly in Saudi Arabia, underscores a pressing issue that the Indian government is addressing. Legal complexities and privacy laws in several countries pose limitations on obtaining detailed information about imprisoned individuals. The government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its citizens abroad remains a key focus, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue and intervention in such matters.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
