Indians in Foreign Jails: A Comprehensive Overview of Detentions and Executions

A recent report indicates that Saudi Arabia holds the most Indian nationals in foreign prisons, with a total of 10,152 Indians incarcerated worldwide. Key insights include the execution rates of Indians in several countries, and the Indian government’s challenges in accessing information about its imprisoned citizens due to local privacy laws.

Saudi Arabia currently holds the largest number of Indian nationals in foreign jails, numbering 2,633 among a total of 10,152 Indians imprisoned abroad. This information was presented by Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, in the Rajya Sabha. Other countries with significant Indian populations in their jails include Nepal with 1,317, Pakistan with 266, and Qatar with 611 prisoners.

The report details the distribution of Indian inmates across various nations, which includes 288 in the United Kingdom, 169 in the United States, and smaller numbers in countries such as Bahrain, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. Among the categories of Indian prisoners, there are individuals both undertrial and those convicted.

In recent years, from 2020 to 2024, Indian citizens have faced severe sentences in several countries, including executions. Kuwait has recorded the highest with 26 cases, followed by Saudi Arabia with 9, and several other countries such as Zimbabwe and Malaysia. The UAE has the highest number of death sentences awarded to Indian nationals, totaling 25.

Notably, an Indian national named Shehzadi from Uttar Pradesh was recently executed for murder, contributing to the total such deaths of Indians abroad, which includes 11 in Saudi Arabia. The Indian government has emphasized the challenges of obtaining information regarding prisoners, citing strict privacy laws in many nations that restrict data sharing without prior consent.

The Indian government continuously prioritizes the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad, especially for those incarcerated in foreign jails, despite limited access to detailed information regarding their conditions.

The distressing number of Indians detained in foreign jails, particularly in Saudi Arabia, highlights the need for improved support mechanisms and international cooperation. The Indian government remains committed to the safety of its citizens abroad, navigating challenging privacy laws that restrict information sharing. As these issues persist, the plight of Indian nationals in foreign prisons necessitates ongoing attention and advocacy.

Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com