RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4063
TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.04.2022
INDIANS LODGED IN FOREIGN JAILS
4063. DR. FAUZIA KHAN:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) the number of Indians lodged in the various foreign jails, country-wise cases, along with the reasons;
(b) the steps being taken by Government to get them released at the earliest; and
(c) the outcomes of the steps taken, if any?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]
(a) As per the information available with the Ministry, the number of Indian prisoners, including under-trials, in foreign jails at present is 8278. Country-wise list along with the reason(s) for imprisonment is given at Annexure I
. However, due to strong privacy laws prevailing in many countries, the local authorities do not share information on prisoners unless the person concerned consents to the disclosure of such information. Even countries which share information do not generally provide detailed information about the foreigners imprisoned.
(b) The Government attaches the highest priority to the safety, security and well-being of Indians in foreign countries, including those in the foreign jails. Indian Missions / Posts abroad remain vigilant and closely monitor the incidents of Indian nationals being put in jail in foreign countries for violation/alleged violation of local laws.
As soon as the information about the detention/arrest of an Indian national is received by an Indian Mission/Post, it immediately gets in touch with the local Foreign Office and other concerned local authorities to get consular access to the detained/arrested Indian national to ascertain the facts of the case, confirm his Indian nationality and ensure his welfare. Apart from extending them all possible consular assistance, Indian Missions and Posts also assist in providing legal aid wherever needed. Missions and Posts also maintain a local panel of lawyers where Indian community is in sizeable numbers.
(c) The issue of repatriation of Indian nationals in foreign prisons is regularly pursued by Indian Missions and Posts abroad with the local authorities concerned. The Government also follows up this issue during consular and other consultations with other countries.
In addition, the Government, through its Missions/Posts abroad and during high level visits, also takes up and pursues grant of amnesty/commutation of sentences of Indian prisoners in foreign countries. In last two years, a total of 700 Indian nationals have received amnesty or commutation of their sentences by foreign Governments.