Over 8,000 Indians lodged in foreign jails, majority in Gulf nations: MEA

New Delhi, April 7: More than 8,000 Indian prisoners  are lodged in different foreign jails, with a majority of them imprisoned in the Gulf countries, said Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan at the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

Responding to a question seeking details on the Indian prisoners lodged in various foreign jails and steps being taken to get them released, V Muraleedharan said, "As per the information available with the ministry, the number of Indian prisoners, including under-trials, in foreign jails at present is 8,278." Also read | Chandigarh MC House passes resolution that Chandigarh remains UT The United Arab Emirates (UAE) hosts the highest number of Indian prisoners standing at 1480, followed closely by Saudi Arabia that has lodged 1,392 Indians in its jails. Nepal hosts the third-highest number of Indian prisoners, standing at 1,112. The most common crimes for which Indians are lodged in jail include drug trafficking, murder and sexual offences. Notably, Pakistan has lodged the fourth-highest number of Indian prisoners, standing at 701 in their jails. A number of Indian fishermen, trawling in waters off the coast of Gujarat are routinely captured and imprisoned by Pakistani agencies. "The government attaches the highest priority to the safety, security and well-being of Indians in foreign countries, including those in the foreign jails. Indian Missions/Posts abroad remain vigilant and closely monitor the incidents of Indian nationals being put in jail in foreign countries for violation/alleged violation of local laws," Minister of State Muraleedharan said. Also read | Baisakhi 2022: Pakistan High Commission issues 2,200 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims "Apart from extending them all possible consular assistance, Indian Missions and Posts also assist in providing legal aid wherever needed. Missions and Posts also maintain a local panel of lawyers where the Indian community is in sizeable numbers," he further said. "The government, through its Missions/Posts abroad and during high-level visits, also takes up and pursues grant of amnesty/commutation of sentences of Indian prisoners in foreign countries. In the last two years, a total of 700 Indian nationals have received amnesty or commutation of their sentences by foreign Governments," the Minister of State said. -PTC News