The Indian government has revealed that over 10,000 Indian nationals are currently lodged in jails across various countries, with 49 of them facing the death penalty. According to the data presented in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, the highest number of incarcerated Indians is in Saudi Arabia (2,633), followed closely by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with 2,518. The data highlights the grim reality of Indians facing legal troubles abroad, prompting the Indian government to step up its efforts in ensuring the safety and legal assistance of its citizens in foreign countries.

Global Distribution of Indian Prisoners

The report provides a detailed breakdown of the number of Indian prisoners across various countries. As per the data, apart from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, several other nations have a significant number of Indian nationals in their prisons:

• Nepal: 1,317 Indian nationals imprisoned.
• Qatar: 611 Indians incarcerated.
• Kuwait: 387 Indians jailed.
• Malaysia: 338 Indian prisoners.
• Pakistan: 266 Indians in jail.
• China: 173 Indian nationals.
• United States: 169 Indian prisoners.
• Oman: 148 Indian nationals imprisoned.
• Russia and Myanmar: 27 Indians each.

Death Row Cases: Grim Statistics

Among the 49 Indians currently on death row, the largest number is in the UAE with 25 individuals awaiting execution. Saudi Arabia follows with 11 Indians, while Malaysia has 6 Indians on death row. Other countries with Indians facing the death penalty include:

• Kuwait: 3 Indians.
• Indonesia, Qatar, United States, and Yemen: 1 Indian national each.

Since 2020, Kuwait has recorded the highest number of executions of Indian nationals, with 25 Indians executed in capital punishment cases. Saudi Arabia follows with 9 executions, while Zimbabwe recorded 7 executions, Malaysia 5, and Jamaica 1.

Recent Executions in UAE

While UAE authorities did not disclose the total number of Indians executed between 2020 and 2024, the government confirmed that three Indians were executed in the UAE in February 2025. Among them was a nurse from Uttar Pradesh and a man from Kerala.

Privacy Laws Restricting Information Sharing

Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh highlighted that stringent privacy laws in many countries prevent local authorities from sharing information about prisoners unless the individual concerned consents to the disclosure. Even when information is shared, detailed data about the charges or status of the prisoners is not always provided by foreign governments.

Government's Role and Consular Assistance

The Indian government remains committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of Indian nationals imprisoned abroad. Indian Missions/Posts abroad actively monitor the status of Indian prisoners, provide consular access, and offer all possible assistance, including:

• Legal Aid and Support: Assisting imprisoned Indian nationals in exploring legal remedies, such as filing appeals, mercy petitions, and seeking pardons.
• Consular Access and Jail Visits: Regular visits to prisons to provide consular assistance and assess the well-being of Indian inmates.
• Follow-Up with Authorities: Engaging with courts, jails, public prosecutors, and other relevant authorities to ensure fair treatment for Indian prisoners.

Indian Prisoners in High-Risk Regions

Several countries with a large population of Indian expatriates have seen a rise in cases where Indian nationals face imprisonment due to violations of local laws. These countries include:

• Saudi Arabia and UAE: High imprisonment rates primarily due to visa violations, petty crimes, and contractual disputes.
• Malaysia and Kuwait: Higher death penalty cases, including charges related to drug trafficking.
• Pakistan and China: Cases of border-related arrests and espionage charges.

Appeals for Legal Remedies and Mercy Petitions

In cases where death sentences have been awarded, Indian Missions/Posts proactively explore various legal avenues to secure relief for the accused. This includes:

• Filing appeals in higher courts.
• Submitting mercy petitions to local governments.
• Engaging with authorities to consider commutation of sentences.

Urgent Need for Stronger Diplomatic Engagement

Given the high number of Indians in foreign jails and the rising number of death penalty cases, experts and human rights organizations have emphasized the need for enhanced diplomatic efforts and bilateral agreements to ensure that Indian nationals receive fair trials and legal representation abroad.

Conclusion

The revelation that over 10,000 Indian nationals are currently imprisoned in foreign jails, with 49 facing the death penalty, underscores the magnitude of the challenge faced by the Indian government in protecting the rights of its citizens abroad. As the government intensifies its diplomatic efforts and legal assistance to safeguard Indian nationals, the focus remains on ensuring timely intervention and legal remedies for those in distress.

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