New Delhi: The government has informed Parliament that 25 Indian nationals have been awarded the death sentence in the UAE, though the judgment has yet to be implemented. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh provided this information in a written response to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

The Ministry of External Affairs was asked about the number of Indians languishing in foreign prisons, including those awaiting capital punishment, and the steps the Indian government has taken to save their lives.

In his response, Singh stated that, according to available information, there are currently 10,152 Indian nationals, including undertrials, imprisoned in foreign jails. He emphasised that the government prioritises the safety, security, and well-being of Indian nationals abroad, including those in foreign prisons.

The minister also provided data for eight countries regarding Indian nationals who have been sentenced to death, but whose sentences have yet to be carried out. The figures are as follows: 25 in the UAE, 11 in Saudi Arabia, six in Malaysia, three in Kuwait, and one each in Indonesia, Qatar, the US, and Yemen.

"Indian missions and posts abroad provide all possible assistance to Indian nationals who have been sentenced, including those with death sentences by foreign courts. They also offer consular access by visiting prisons and following up on their cases with courts, jail authorities, public prosecutors, and other concerned agencies. Jailed Indian nationals are assisted in exploring various legal remedies, including filing appeals and mercy petitions," the minister said.

Singh was also asked whether any Indian nationals had been executed or sentenced to death in foreign countries over the past five years. He reported that such executions had taken place in Malaysia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

In 2024, three Indians were executed in both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, while one Indian was executed in Zimbabwe. In 2023, both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia carried out the executions of five Indian nationals each, while Malaysia executed one.

Regarding the UAE, the minister stated that no data is available from the UAE authorities. However, informal information suggests that no Indians have been executed between 2020 and 2024.