In a recent parliamentary session, the Government of India revealed that 25 Indian nationals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and 11 in Saudi Arabia have been sentenced to death. However, these sentences have not yet been implemented. This information was presented by Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written response to the Rajya Sabha on March 20, 2025.
The announcement has sparked concern over the fate of these individuals and broader discussions on the legal challenges faced by Indian nationals abroad. The government has assured that all efforts are being made to provide necessary legal assistance and diplomatic interventions where possible.
Indian Nationals on Death Row Abroad
According to official data, besides those in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, several other countries have also sentenced Indian nationals to death. The list includes:
- Malaysia: 6 individuals
- Kuwait: 3 individuals
- Indonesia: 1 individual
- Qatar: 1 individual
- United States: 1 individual
- Yemen: 1 individual
This brings the total number of Indians currently on death row in foreign countries to 49. Each case is different, with varying charges, legal complexities, and chances of appeal.
Over 10,000 Indians Imprisoned Overseas
Beyond those facing capital punishment, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also disclosed that 10,152 Indian nationals, including undertrials, are currently imprisoned in various countries. These cases range from minor immigration violations to serious criminal charges.
The data highlights the legal risks Indian workers, professionals, and tourists face abroad. Many of them, particularly in Gulf nations, are migrant workers who might not be fully aware of local laws, leading to arrests and legal complications.
Government’s Efforts to Help Indian Prisoners
The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens overseas, including those facing legal troubles. Indian embassies and missions in foreign countries play an active role in assisting imprisoned Indians by providing:
- Consular Access: Regular jail visits to check on the welfare of the prisoners and ensure they are treated fairly.
- Legal Assistance: Offering financial aid and legal counsel in cases where individuals cannot afford a lawyer.
- Diplomatic Interventions: Engaging with foreign governments and legal systems to secure pardons, sentence reductions, or fair trials.
- Family Communication Support: Helping prisoners maintain contact with their families in India.
Additionally, the government has stressed that it remains engaged in securing justice for Indian nationals and exploring all legal remedies, including filing appeals and mercy petitions when necessary.
Executions of Indian Nationals in Recent Years
While the government has disclosed the number of Indians facing death sentences, it also provided data on executions carried out over the past five years. According to the MEA, the following executions of Indian nationals have taken place:
- 2024:
- Kuwait: 3 executions
- Saudi Arabia: 3 executions
- Zimbabwe: 1 execution
- 2023:
- Kuwait: 5 executions
- Saudi Arabia: 5 executions
- Malaysia: 1 execution
The UAE has not provided official data on executions. However, informal sources suggest that no Indian national was executed in the UAE between 2020 and 2024.
Challenges in Data Collection and Legal Assistance
One of the major hurdles in assisting Indian prisoners abroad is the difficulty in obtaining detailed and accurate information. Many countries have strict privacy laws that prevent their governments from sharing details about prisoners with foreign authorities. In some cases, Indian diplomatic missions only learn about the arrest of Indian nationals when families reach out for help.
Even when information is available, legal proceedings in different countries vary greatly. Some nations offer limited opportunities for appeal, while others have strict laws where certain crimes automatically result in a death sentence. In Gulf countries, for example, drug trafficking and murder cases often lead to capital punishment.
Government Initiatives for Prisoner Welfare
To address the challenges faced by Indian prisoners abroad, the government has launched several initiatives aimed at providing legal and financial aid, including:
1. Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)
The ICWF is a fund established to assist overseas Indians in distress. It provides financial aid for legal assistance, travel documents, and repatriation of stranded individuals.
2. Prisoner Transfer Agreements
India has entered into prisoner transfer treaties with multiple countries. Under these agreements, convicted individuals can serve their sentences in their home country, allowing them to be closer to their families and receive better support.
3. High-Level Interventions and Diplomatic Appeals
In cases involving capital punishment, India has actively engaged in diplomatic discussions with the respective foreign governments. In some instances, high-ranking Indian officials, including the Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister, have personally appealed for clemency or sentence reduction.
These initiatives reflect India’s commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens abroad while respecting the legal frameworks of other nations.
Public and Family Concerns
The news of Indian nationals facing death sentences has triggered distress among their families and raised concerns among human rights activists. Many family members struggle to communicate with their loved ones due to language barriers, strict prison rules, and financial constraints.
Human rights organizations have also urged the government to strengthen its legal aid programs and push for fair trials for those imprisoned abroad. Several activists argue that migrant workers, in particular, are vulnerable due to lack of awareness about local laws and inadequate legal representation.
India’s Diplomatic Response
In response to concerns raised in Parliament, the Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that it remains actively engaged with foreign governments to ensure that justice is served. The MEA also reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing diplomatic avenues to prevent unjust executions and to secure the safe return of Indian nationals whenever possible.
India has, in the past, successfully secured the release or reduced sentences of numerous prisoners through diplomatic negotiations. While not every case results in a pardon, continuous efforts are made to ensure that Indian citizens are treated fairly in foreign legal systems.
Conclusion
The revelation that 25 Indian nationals in the UAE and 11 in Saudi Arabia are awaiting execution underscores the urgent need for strong diplomatic efforts and legal support. With over 10,000 Indians currently imprisoned abroad, the government’s role in providing assistance remains crucial.
While international laws must be respected, India continues to push for fair trials, better legal representation, and, where possible, clemency for its citizens. Through ongoing diplomatic interventions and legal aid initiatives, the government aims to protect the rights of Indian nationals worldwide and ensure their safe return whenever possible.
