New Delhi: A total of 10,152 Indian nationals are currently incarcerated across 86 countries, with the highest numbers reported in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, according to the sixth report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs. The report, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, was presented in Parliament on Tuesday.
Top Countries Holding Indian Prisoners:
The report identifies 12 countries with the highest number of Indian prisoners, including China, Kuwait, Nepal, Qatar, and Malaysia. The breakdown includes:
• Saudi Arabia & UAE: Over 2,000 Indian prisoners each
• Nepal: 1,317 inmates
• China: 173 Indians currently jailed
• Other Gulf nations (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar): A significant number of detainees
Prisoner Transfer Agreements & Challenges:
Nine of these 12 countries have existing agreements with India under the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (TSP) treaty, allowing convicted individuals to complete their sentences in India. However, the report highlights the slow pace of repatriation, with only eight prisoners from Iran and the UK and two from Cambodia and Russia being transferred to India in the last three years (2023–March 2025).
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed the panel that Indian missions are actively engaging with local authorities to secure prisoner releases and repatriation. However, delays occur due to multiple approval stages, including:
• Consent of the prisoner, host country, and transferring country
• Coordination between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and foreign governments
• Escort arrangements and identification of prison facilities in India
Legal Aid & Government Assistance for Indian Prisoners:
Since many of the detainees are undertrials, Indian missions abroad provide legal aid and consular services. In regions with large Indian populations, local panels of attorneys are maintained to assist detainees. Notably, no fee is charged to Indian prisoners for these services.
Efforts to Expand Repatriation Treaties:
India has signed prisoner transfer agreements with several countries, including Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, France, Hong Kong, Iran, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, UAE, and the UK. However, the process remains time-consuming, and the government is currently negotiating similar agreements with more nations.
Despite diplomatic efforts, no fixed timeline can be set for prisoner transfers due to the complex nature of international legal processes. The government remains committed to addressing the issue, ensuring Indian prisoners abroad receive legal support and opportunities for repatriation.
