NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s diplomatic efforts have secured the release and pardon of over 10,000 Indians imprisoned abroad since 2014, officials said on Friday.
“Since 2014, PM Modi’s leadership has prioritised the welfare of Indian citizens abroad, ensuring the safe return of nearly 10,000 Indians imprisoned abroad through diplomatic negotiations and high-level interventions,” an official said, news agency PTI reported.
The UAE’s decision to pardon approximately 500 Indian inmates during Ramzan demonstrates the diplomatic relationship between India and the Gulf nation, according to official.
“These successful interventions underscore India’s growing global diplomatic stature and the Modi government‘s unwavering commitment to protecting the Indian citizens abroad,” the official added.
Key instances of Indian nationals release
- Significant achievements due to diplomatic efforts include the liberation of 2,783 Indian detainees from the UAE since 2022.
- Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman authorised the release of 850 Indian prisoners during his 2019 India visit.
- A notable success was the release of Indian Navy veterans from Qatar in 2023, who were initially given death sentences.
- Following India’s diplomatic engagement, their sentences were reduced, leading to the release of most personnel, sources indicated.
- Officials noted that Iran freed 77 Indian nationals in 2024 and 43 individuals, including 12 fishermen, in 2023.
- Additionally, in 2019, Bahrain pardoned 250 Indians during PM Modi’s visit, while in 2017, Kuwait’s Emir released 22 Indians and reduced sentences for 97 others after diplomatic talks.
- Official sources reported that India’s continuous interventions have resulted in Sri Lanka releasing 3,697 Indian fishermen since 2014.
- Pakistan has released 2,639 fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners since 2014, following persistent diplomatic efforts.
- Officials attributed many of these successful outcomes to Modi’s personal connections with international leaders.
