New Delhi: A total of 25 Indian nationals in the UAE are facing the death penalty, with their sentences yet to be carried out, the central government informed Parliament on Thursday.
Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, disclosed this information in a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, also revealing that 10,152 Indians, including undertrials, are currently imprisoned in foreign jails.
Indians Awaiting Execution Across Multiple Countries
According to official data, Indians on death row are spread across eight countries:
- UAE – 25
- Saudi Arabia – 11
- Malaysia – 6
- Kuwait – 3
- Indonesia, Qatar, the US, and Yemen – 1 each
Government’s Assistance to Indians in Foreign Jails
Singh assured that the Indian government prioritizes the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad, including those in prisons. Indian Missions and Posts in various countries provide legal and consular support, facilitate jail visits, and assist in exploring legal remedies such as appeals and mercy petitions.
Executions of Indian Nationals Abroad
When questioned about executions carried out in the past five years, Singh confirmed that Indian nationals have been executed in Malaysia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
- 2024: Three executions each in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and one in Zimbabwe.
- 2023: Five executions each in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and one in Malaysia.
Regarding the UAE, Singh noted that local authorities do not officially share execution data. However, informal information from the Indian Mission indicates that no Indians have been executed in the UAE between 2020 and 2024.
With thousands of Indians still facing legal challenges abroad, the government continues to monitor their cases and extend diplomatic support where possible.
