NEW DELHI– More than 10,500 Indian nationals are currently incarcerated in prisons across the world, including 43 on death row, the Indian Parliament was informed on Friday.
In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that the highest number of Indian prisoners—2,773—are held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Saudi Arabia follows with 2,379 inmates, and Nepal with 1,357. Other countries with a significant number of Indian detainees include Qatar (795), Malaysia (380), Kuwait (342), the United Kingdom (323), Bahrain (261), Pakistan (246), and China (183).
In contrast, a handful of countries, including Angola, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Egypt, Iraq, Jamaica, Mauritius, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, Sudan, Tajikistan, and Yemen, each hold only one Indian prisoner.
Of the 10,574 imprisoned Indian citizens worldwide, 43 are currently on death row. The UAE accounts for nearly half of these cases, with 21 Indians facing capital punishment. Other countries include Saudi Arabia (7), China (4), Indonesia (3), and Kuwait (2). One Indian national is on death row in each of the following countries: the United States, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, and Yemen.
The Ministry of External Affairs explained that privacy laws in many countries limit access to detailed information unless the individual prisoner consents to disclosure. Nevertheless, Indian embassies and consulates are actively monitoring these cases and providing consular assistance and legal aid.
The government underscored its commitment to supporting Indian nationals abroad through legal representation, consular access, and efforts toward early release or repatriation, often via bilateral negotiations, judicial channels, or appeals for clemency. The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) is also being utilized to support legal and financial needs in deserving cases.
Additionally, the government confirmed ongoing diplomatic engagement with Sri Lanka for the release of 28 Indian fishermen—27 from Tamil Nadu and one from Puducherry—currently held in Sri Lankan custody.
As India’s global footprint expands, ensuring the safety and legal rights of its diaspora remains a top priority for the country’s diplomatic missions. (Source: IANS)
