25 Indians on death row in UAE: MEA informs Parliament
What's the story
The Indian government has confirmed that 25 Indian nationals are currently on death row in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The information was revealed by Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, at a session of Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
The minister revealed the figures in response to a question about Indian citizens imprisoned abroad for extended periods.
Prison population
Over 10,000 Indians imprisoned abroad
In his reply, Singh said there are 10,152 Indian prisoners in foreign jails (including those awaiting trial).
He assured that the government prioritizes the safety and security of its citizens abroad.
The minister also gave detailed statistics of Indians on death row in eight other countries: Indonesia (25), Qatar (11), US (6), Yemen (3), and one each for unspecified countries.
Diplomatic support
MEA offers assistance to Indians facing death sentences
Singh has also pointed out that Indian embassies abroad extend all support to nationals sentenced to death by foreign courts.
This includes consular access, jail visits, and coordination with Courts, Jails, Public prosecutors, and other relevant agencies.
He added that Indian citizens imprisoned abroad are also facilitated in pursuing legal options such as filing appeals or mercy petitions.
Execution records
No executions of Indians in UAE from 2020-2024
Answering a question on whether any Indians have been executed or given capital punishment abroad in the last five years, Singh confirmed that such executions have been done in Malaysia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Three Indian citizens were executed or sentenced to death in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, compared to one in Zimbabwe in 2024.
However, he said there is no data available for the UAE as it isn't shared by its authorities.