Indian Nationals on Death Row in Foreign Countries

March 28, 2025

The recent execution of Shahzadi Khan in the UAE has raised concerns about Indian nationals on death row abroad. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed her execution in response to a petition from her father. Additionally, two more Indians were executed shortly after.

Current Statistics on Death Row Indians

According to the MEA, 49 Indian nationals are facing death sentences overseas. The UAE leads with 25 Indians on death row. Saudi Arabia follows with 11 cases. Other countries also have Indian nationals sentenced to death, but in smaller numbers.

India’s Diplomatic Approach

The MEA provides assistance to Indian citizens sentenced abroad. The process involves three stages – arrest, judicial proceedings, and potential pardon. After sentencing, the embassy’s role is limited. Family members typically submit pardon appeals. The embassy forwards these requests to the foreign office to seek the ruler’s attention.

About Blood Money

In some Gulf nations, sentences can be commuted through blood money. This compensation must be accepted by both the state and the victim’s family. However, the nature of the crime can influence whether the state agrees to this arrangement. Blood money serves as an alternative to retribution, but it is not guaranteed in all cases.

Challenges Faced by Indian Embassies

The role of Indian embassies can be severely restricted, especially in authoritarian regimes like Saudi Arabia. Often, embassies are not informed about arrests until after executions occur. This lack of transparency complicates the embassy’s ability to intervene effectively. In cases where the accused confesses, the embassy’s options are further limited.

Successful Interventions by India

India has successfully intervened in several death penalty cases. Diplomatic efforts led to the release of eight Indian navy veterans sentenced to death in Qatar. Additionally, Gurdip Singh was saved from execution in Indonesia due to Government of India intervention, despite initial court rulings against him. These cases demonstrate the potential for diplomatic negotiations to alter outcomes.

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