7,620 Indians behind bars in foreign countries, highest in Saudi
What's the story
The Pew Research Centre recently revealed that India is one of the top sources of immigration: one in 20 migrants globally is from India. Also high is the number of Indian immigrants involved in crime. According to External Affairs, 7,620 nationals are lodged in 86 foreign jails. Fifty of them are women. The country with the most number of Indian prisoners is Saudi Arabia.
Crimes
From burglaries to human-trafficking: The most common offences by Indians
In Saudi Arabia, 2,048 are in prison for burglary, monetary fraud and bribery, and some for drinking or selling alcohol. In Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, common offences by Indians are related to drug and human trafficking and visa violation. 115 Indian nationals are jailed in Australia, Canada for murder, sexual assault, money laundering and accidents. Some like Germany, Italy and France didn't provide details.
Fishermen
In Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Indian fishermen land in jail
A number of Indian fishermen are jailed in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Due to lack of awareness, fishermen from these neighboring countries often cross over into the other's territorial waters. Of at least 546 Indians in Pakistani jails, nearly 500 are fishermen. The problem of a high number of Tamil Nadu fishermen ending up in Lankan jails has even led to diplomatic tension.
Information
30 repatriation agreements signed till now
India has repatriation treaties with 30 countries to help it bring back its nationals from foreign jails. Since the enactment of the repatriation of Prisoners Act, 2003, over 60 Indian prisoners have been repatriated from various countries. At least 170 have also been repatriated.