The government reveals the number of Indian nationals facing death sentences abroad and their ongoing efforts to assist them
In a recent statement to Parliament, the central government disclosed that 25 Indian nationals are currently on death row in the UAE, with the sentences yet to be implemented. This information was shared by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Government’s Efforts for Indian Nationals Abroad
The minister also revealed that, as of now, there are 10,152 Indian prisoners, including undertrials, incarcerated in foreign prisons.
Among these, 25 Indians in the UAE, 11 in Saudi Arabia, 6 in Malaysia, 3 in Kuwait, and one each in Indonesia, Qatar, the US, and Yemen are facing capital punishment.
Singh assured that the Indian government prioritizes the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad, including those facing death penalties.
Indian Missions and Posts abroad provide all possible assistance to those sentenced to death, offering consular access, and working with local authorities to explore legal remedies such as appeals or mercy petitions
Executions and Ongoing Assistance for Death Row Prisoners
Regarding past executions, Singh confirmed that Indians had been executed in Malaysia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia in recent years. In 2024, three Indians were executed in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, with one execution in Zimbabwe. The minister also noted that, between 2020 and 2024, no Indians were executed in the UAE, based on informal information received from the Indian Mission.
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