Behind bars, far from home: Over 10,000 Indians languish in foreign prisons

In a major diplomatic victory, Qatar released eight former Indian Navy personnel, a move celebrated alongside ongoing efforts to support thousands of other Indian nationals imprisoned abroad. Qatar release, Indian Navy veterans, diplomatic success, PM Modi, Indian prisoners, foreign jails, Ministry of External Affairs, prisoner transfer treaties, consular assistance, Indian community, Kirti Vardhan Singh, Qatari jails, legal aid, ICWF, repatriation, espionage charges, bilateral ties, international law, human rights, government initiatives.

Release of Navy Veterans and Diplomatic Efforts

Qatar released eight former Indian Navy personnel who had been detained since August 2022 on espionage charges. The release followed intense diplomatic negotiations and was personally supervised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Seven of the veterans have returned to India, with arrangements being made for the last one. The Indian government expressed gratitude to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, for his role in securing their release.

Broader Context: Indian Prisoners in Foreign Jails

As of a recent government disclosure, there are 10,152 Indian prisoners, including undertrials, in foreign jails across 86 countries. Saudi Arabia holds the highest number with 2,633, followed by the UAE with 2,518. Qatar holds 611 Indian prisoners, though the Qatari government doesn't share individual details due to privacy laws.

Government Support and Assistance

The Indian government prioritizes the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad, including those in foreign jails. Indian missions and posts abroad monitor such cases, offer consular access and legal aid, and ensure fair treatment. The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) provides financial assistance for legal aid, travel documents, and repatriation. The government also pursues prisoner transfer treaties and amnesty/commutation of sentences