Over 10,000 Indians imprisoned abroad; highest death sentences in UAE

The Indian government has disclosed that 10,152 Indian nationals are currently imprisoned in foreign jails, including those facing trial.

Among them, 25 Indians have been sentenced to death in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), though their executions have not yet been carried out.

This information was shared by Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha. The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of Indian nationals detained abroad.

The data presented by Singh reveals that Indian nationals have received death sentences in several countries:

- 25 in the UAE

- 11 in Saudi Arabia

- 6 in Malaysia

- 3 in Kuwait

- 1 each in Indonesia, Qatar, the United States, and Yemen

The Indian government has been actively assisting those sentenced to death by helping them explore legal options, including filing appeals and mercy petitions. Indian diplomatic missions abroad also provide consular access, visit jails, and liaise with courts, public prosecutors, and relevant authorities to monitor and support their cases.

"Indian Missions and Posts abroad provide all possible assistance to Indian nationals facing legal challenges, including those sentenced to death," Singh stated.

In response to a query on capital punishment cases involving Indian nationals over the past five years, Singh confirmed that executions have taken place in Malaysia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. In 2024, three Indians were executed in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, while one was executed in Zimbabwe. In 2023, five Indians were executed in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and one was executed in Malaysia.

Regarding the UAE, Singh mentioned that official data on executions is not shared by Emirati authorities. However, informal information available with the Indian Mission suggests that no Indians have been executed in the UAE between 2020 and 2024.