Government Reports: 25 Indians on Death Row in UAE, 11 in Saudi Arabia Awaiting Sentencing
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Synopsis
On March 20, the Indian government revealed in Parliament that 25 Indian nationals in the UAE and 11 in Saudi Arabia are facing death sentences, yet to be executed. No executions of Indian nationals have occurred in the UAE from 2020-2024. The government is actively monitoring and providing assistance to those imprisoned abroad.
Key Takeaways
- 25 Indians in the UAE and 11 in Saudi Arabia are on death row.
- No executions of Indians took place in the UAE from 2020-2024.
- Current count of Indian prisoners abroad is 10,152.
- Indian Missions provide essential support to incarcerated nationals.
- The government negotiates for prisoner transfers and legal assistance.
New Delhi, March 20 (NationPress) A total of 25 Indian nationals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and 11 in Saudi Arabia have received the death penalty, although the sentences have not yet been executed, as reported by the government to Parliament on Thursday.
According to the informal information from the local Indian Mission, the government noted that there have been no executions of Indian nationals in the UAE from 2020 to 2024.
In response to a query in the Rajya Sabha regarding 'Indians languishing in foreign prisons,' Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh provided a written statement indicating that currently, there are 10,152 Indian prisoners, including those awaiting trials, in prisons abroad.
While presenting a country-wise breakdown, the minister remarked that stringent privacy regulations in various countries often prevent local authorities from disclosing prisoner information without the consent of the individual concerned.
He emphasized that even in nations that do provide information, it typically lacks detail regarding foreign nationals imprisoned.
The minister stated, "The government prioritizes the safety, security, and well-being of Indian nationals abroad, especially those incarcerated. Indian Missions and Posts are on high alert and thoroughly monitor cases of Indian nationals detained for violations of local laws. Upon receiving information about an Indian national's detention, an Indian Mission or Post promptly contacts local authorities to secure consular access, verify nationality, and ensure their welfare."
As per the MEA's report, in 2024, seven Indian nationals - three each in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and one in Zimbabwe - have either been executed or sentenced to death.
Those who have been sentenced to death but not yet executed include 25 in the UAE, 11 in Saudi Arabia, six in Malaysia, three in Kuwait, and one each in Indonesia, Qatar, USA, and Yemen.
"Indian Missions and Posts abroad provide various forms of assistance to Indian nationals sentenced to death by foreign courts. This includes consular access, jail visits, and follow-ups with legal authorities. They also support the jailed nationals in pursuing legal options such as appeals and mercy petitions," Singh noted in his response.
The government actively seeks the release and repatriation of Indian nationals incarcerated abroad, pursuing this matter with local officials and during diplomatic consultations.
"Furthermore, the government advocates for amnesty or sentence commutation for Indian prisoners during high-level discussions with foreign nations. India has established prisoner transfer treaties with several countries, allowing convicted individuals to serve their sentences in India." the minister elaborated.
The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) has been established in Indian Missions and Posts overseas to aid Indian nationals in distress on a need-based approach. This support encompasses financial assistance for legal aid and travel documents or tickets for repatriation.
