In a major diplomatic breakthrough, the execution of Malayali nurse Nimish Priya in Yemen has been temporarily suspended, following India’s intense backchannel efforts involving Yemeni tribal -Religious leaders, Indian religious scholars, and Yemeni authorities. An official order confirming the suspension is expected to be issued by tonight.
The success comes after India launched a discreet diplomatic campaign to save Nimisha Priya, who had been sentenced to death for the alleged murder of Yemeni citizen Talal Abdul Mahdi. Informal discussions spearheaded by Indian officials and religious emissaries opened a crucial channel of dialogue with Talal’s family and tribal elders, breaking months of silence.
India’s quiet but strategic diplomacy involved engaging prominent Muslim religious scholars, including renowned Yemeni Sufi leader Sheikh Habib Umar bin Hafid. His intervention was pivotal in calming tribal tensions in northern Yemen, where the murder case had stirred strong emotions. A high-level team led by Habib Abdul Rahman Mahshus held face-to-face discussions in Talal’s hometown of Damar, with the participation of tribal leaders, Talal’s relatives, legal representatives, and family members.
In the case of Nimisha Priya, it has been learnt that the local authorities in Yemen have postponed the execution scheduled for July 16, 2025. Government of India, which has since the beginning of the case been rendering all possible assistance in the matter, has made concerted…
— ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2025
Talal’s murder had initially sparked intense anger among Yemeni tribal groups, making the official negotiations almost impossible. However, India tactfully used the influence of Islamic scholars to present Nimisha Priya’s version of events, paving the way for a conversation with Talal’s family. The turning point came when these scholars conveyed her plea for justice and mercy through a religious framework.
Reports suggest that although no agreement has been reached on the matter of blood money or compensation, the suspension of the execution indicates significant progress. India is now focusing efforts on a long-term resolution, possibly involving the payment of compensation and a formal pardon.
Religious scholars from India also held parallel talks with the Yemeni government, adding a moral and humanitarian dimension to India’s diplomatic efforts. Following these developments, Yemeni authorities convened an emergency meeting to reconsider the execution, originally scheduled for June 16.
Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Palakkad, Kerala, had moved to Yemen in 2012 with her husband Tommy, a gardener from Thodupuzha, and their daughter. While she continued her nursing profession, her husband secured a job in a private firm. The couple entered into a business partnership with Talal Abdul Mahdi to open a clinic, as Yemeni laws required the involvement of a local citizen.
However, the partnership turned abusive. Talal allegedly forged a marriage certificate, falsely presented Nimisha Priya as his wife, took over the clinic’s earnings, confiscated her passport, forcefully married her and sold her gold. When she resisted and approached authorities, he reportedly subjected her to repeated physical abuse. Nimisha Priya has maintained that she acted in self-defence when she believed her life was in danger.
Backchannel diplomacy refers to unofficial, informal communication and negotiation channels used by governments to resolve sensitive issues away from public scrutiny. It allows for greater flexibility, deniability, and trust-building, especially in high-stakes or emotionally charged situations where official diplomacy may be constrained. Often led by trusted envoys, religious figures, or subject-matter experts, backchannel efforts can de-escalate conflicts, prepare the ground for formal talks, or achieve breakthroughs that traditional diplomacy cannot. The Yemen episode stands as a testament to the evolving strength and sophistication of India’s backchannel diplomacy in conflict zones.
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