Living in a 4×4 cell in any country’s jail and waiting for the Indian government to recognize these people as Indian citizens, so they can be taken back to India, is a thought that sends chills down the spine. This is the dream of 8,330 Indians imprisoned in more than 90 countries all over the world who want to return to India. We have seen cases like Sarabjit, who was falsely accused of being a spy and faced unimaginable torture in Pakistan.
While most prisoners are incarcerated for crimes committed in the respective countries, it is our country’s duty, especially the foreign affairs officials, to work towards bringing them back home.
Although the numbers may not be exact, as some countries keep such data private, according to a report, 8,330 Indians are imprisoned in 90 countries, with the highest number, around 1,611, in the UAE. Our neighbor Nepal has as many as 1,222, while Canada, a favorite migratory destination for Indians, holds only 23 in jail. Approximately 308 are in Pakistan, 178 in China, and 60 in Bangladesh. These numbers also include those who are still under trial.
The Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, has assured to provide assistance to Indians imprisoned abroad. Additionally, the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) is being set up to extend legal support to Indian prisoners.
