25 Indians Sentenced to Death in UAE, Execution Pending: Govt

25 Indians on Death Row in UAE, Government Assures Assistance

India’s Efforts to Support Nationals Facing Capital Punishment Abroad

New Delhi: The Indian government has confirmed that 25 Indian nationals have been sentenced to death in the UAE, but their executions are yet to be carried out. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh provided this information in a written response to Parliament on Thursday.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was asked about the number of Indian prisoners awaiting capital punishment in foreign countries and the steps taken to assist them. According to Singh, as of now, 10,152 Indian nationals, including undertrials, are incarcerated in foreign prisons.

Indians Facing Death Sentences in Multiple Countries

Singh shared data showing the number of Indian nationals awaiting execution across eight countries:

UAE – 25
Saudi Arabia – 11
Malaysia – 6
Qatar – 3
Indonesia, US, Yemen – 1 each
The government emphasized that it prioritizes the safety, security, and legal assistance for Indians abroad, including those on death row. Indian embassies and consulates are exploring possibilities like appeals and mercy petitions, providing legal assistance, and actively engaging with foreign authorities.

Executions of Indian citizens in the last five years

Inquiries into recent executions of Indians abroad have also been forwarded to the Ministry of External Affairs. The information showed that:

Three Indians were executed to death in 2024 in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and one in Zimbabwe.
Five Indians were put to death in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia in 2023.

No formal data is available from UAE authorities, but unofficial sources suggest no Indians have been executed there between 2020 and 2024.
The Indian government continues its diplomatic efforts to negotiate legal relief, ensure fair trials, and provide all possible consular support to nationals facing capital punishment abroad.