Over 10,000 Indians Imprisoned Abroad, Primarily in Gulf Nations
A total of 10,152 Indians are imprisoned in 86 countries, mainly in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. The government is committed to supporting these individuals through diplomatic channels and legal assistance while monitoring their welfare. Various countries also have significant Indian prisoner populations, and India seeks to secure their rights abroad.
As per data provided by the Ministry of External Affairs in the Lok Sabha, there are currently 10,152 Indian nationals imprisoned across 86 foreign nations. The largest contingents of these detainees are in Saudi Arabia (2,633), the United Arab Emirates (2,518), and Qatar (611), indicating a substantial number of Indians in the Gulf region.
Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, shared these insights in response to a parliamentary inquiry. He highlighted that Indian missions are monitoring the welfare of detained nationals, providing legal assistance, facilitating family communication, and exploring options for prisoner transfers or amnesty whenever feasible.
The figures also indicate that Pakistan holds 266 Indian prisoners, alongside notable counts in Nepal (1,317), Kuwait (387), and Malaysia (338). Indian detainees are also present in countries such as the United Kingdom (288), the United States (169), China (173), and Italy (168), showcasing the international legal challenges faced by Indian expatriates.
The Indian government is committed to advocating for the rights of its nationals in foreign prisons through diplomatic channels, consular support, and the Indian Community Welfare Fund, which assists those in distress. Additionally, India has established prisoner transfer treaties with various nations, allowing some convicted individuals to serve their sentences in India, though stringent privacy laws in countries like Qatar hinder information dissemination without prisoner consent.
The presence of Indian nationals in foreign prisons is a significant issue, particularly in the Gulf region, where many Indians seek employment. Various factors contribute to the legal troubles faced by expatriates, including visa breaches and criminal offenses. The Indian government actively tracks these situations to ensure the welfare of its citizens abroad and to provide necessary support and redressal measures.
In conclusion, the data presented confirms that a substantial number of Indian nationals are incarcerated internationally, predominantly in Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The Indian government remains vigilant in its efforts to safeguard the rights and well-being of these individuals, offering legal assistance and exploring avenues for repatriation when possible. This situation underscores both the challenges faced by expatriates and the government’s commitment to addressing these issues.
Original Source: kashmirlife.net
