A total of 10,152 Indian nationals are currently incarcerated across 86 countries, according to data presented by the Ministry of External Affairs in the Lok Sabha. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar hold the highest numbers, with 2,633, 2,518, and 611 Indian prisoners, respectively.
The information was disclosed by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in response to a parliamentary query.
He stated that Indian missions abroad are actively engaged in monitoring these cases, providing legal aid, and facilitating communication between prisoners and their families.
The government also negotiates for prisoner transfers or amnesties where possible.
Beyond the Gulf region, notable figures include 1,317 Indians detained in Nepal, 387 in Kuwait, and 338 in Malaysia.
In Western countries, 288 Indian nationals are in UK prisons, 169 in the US, 173 in China, and 168 in Italy. Pakistan holds 266 Indian prisoners.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Indian citizens abroad through diplomatic efforts, legal assistance, and financial aid via the Indian Community Welfare Fund.
Additionally, prisoner transfer agreements with various countries allow convicted individuals to serve their sentences in India.
However, privacy laws in certain nations, such as Qatar, limit the disclosure of specific case details unless prisoners provide consent.
Despite Qatar holding over 600 Indian prisoners, the government clarified that there has been no unusual spike in arrests following the FIFA World Cup.