In a significant testament to India’s burgeoning global diplomatic efforts, new data released by MyGov India on March 28, 2025, reveals a remarkable achievement: Indian authorities have successfully rescued nearly 10,000 Indian citizens imprisoned abroad since 2014. This astounding figure underscores a proactive and compassionate approach by the Indian government to safeguard its diaspora, extending a lifeline to thousands who found themselves in challenging circumstances in foreign lands. This concerted drive highlights not only the growing reach of India’s consular services but also a profound commitment to the welfare of its citizens, no matter where they are in the world.
This report highlights 8 countries where, between 2024 and 2025, the sentences of Indian prisoners were pardoned or reduced. These significant outcomes are a direct result of the active and persistent diplomatic efforts of the Government of India.
UAE pardons thousands of Indian prisoners
The United Arab Emirates has demonstrated a consistent commitment to clemency, pardoning a total of 2,783 Indian prisoners between 2022 and 2025. These acts of mercy often precede major Islamic festivals, reflecting goodwill and strong bilateral ties.
In the most recent instance, on March 28, 2025, over 500 Indian prisoners were pardoned ahead of Ramzan 2025. This followed the pardon of 944 Indian prisoners in 2024 ahead of Eid Al Fitr and UAE National Day. In 2023, more than 700 Indian prisoners received clemency, and in 2022, a total of 639 Indian prisoners were pardoned by UAE authorities. These repeated pardons highlight the success of India’s continuous diplomatic engagements with the UAE.
Indian Navy veterans released by Qatar
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, the Government of India announced on February 12, 2024, that eight Indian Navy veterans who had been sentenced to death in Qatar were released. These individuals – Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, Commander Amit Nagpal, and Sailor Ragesh – were working for a private company, Dahra Global. They were arrested in August 2022. On December 28, 2023, a Qatari court commuted their initial death sentences, which were awarded in October 2023, to life imprisonment. Their subsequent release and return to India underscore the intensive diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Indian government at the highest levels.
Iran releases Indian nationals following diplomatic engagement
In a clear demonstration of sustained diplomatic efforts, Iran has released a significant number of Indian nationals. In 2024, a total of 77 Indian citizens were freed, building on the 43 Indians released in 2023. Notably, 8 Indian fishermen, detained for allegedly entering Iranian waters without permission, were also released in 2023. This continuous engagement, fostered under strong Indian leadership, has ensured the safe return of many, including 49 Indian fishermen in 2016 who were arrested after venturing into Iranian waters while fishing on contract from Dubai. These releases underscore the persistent and effective diplomacy pursued by India.
Sri Lanka’s repeated release of Indian fishermen
Sri Lanka has consistently released Indian fishermen following robust diplomatic engagements, a testament to the strong bilateral ties nurtured over the past decade. Since 2014, an impressive 3,697 Indian fishermen have been freed through these dedicated efforts. Most recently, on January 19, 2024, 32 fishermen from Tamil Nadu, apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy, were released, further highlighting the ongoing success of India’s proactive diplomacy in securing the welfare of its citizens.
Pakistan releases Indian fishermen & civilian prisoners
Despite complex bilateral relations, sustained diplomatic efforts under the current Indian leadership have led to the release of a substantial number of Indian citizens from Pakistan. Since 2014, 2,639 Indian fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners have been released. In 2025 alone, 22 Indian fishermen, who had inadvertently crossed the border, were released from Pakistani jails and safely reached Gujarat. This follows the release of 80 Indian fishermen in 2023 who had crossed the border by mistake, and two other Indian prisoners in the same year, showcasing continued humanitarian overtures facilitated by diplomatic channels.
Bahrain pardons Indian prisoners during PM Modi’s visit
In a significant humanitarian gesture underscoring the strength of India’s diplomatic outreach, the Government of Bahrain pardoned 250 Indian prisoners serving sentences there. This momentous decision occurred on August 25, 2019, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first historic visit to Bahrain. This act of clemency highlights the profound impact of high-level diplomatic engagements and Prime Minister Modi’s personal leadership in advocating for the welfare of Indian nationals abroad.
Saudi Arabia releases Indian prisoners at PM Narendra Modi’s request
In a significant humanitarian gesture demonstrating the strong bilateral ties forged under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners. This act of clemency came directly at the request of Prime Minister Modi during his visit to the Kingdom, underscoring the profound impact of high-level diplomatic engagement in securing the welfare of Indian nationals abroad.
Kuwait releases Indian prisoners; commutes sentences
In a notable humanitarian move, the Emir of Kuwait ordered the release of 22 Indian prisoners and commuted the sentences of an additional 97 others held in the country’s jails. This decision, influenced by India’s persistent diplomatic efforts, also included the commutation of death sentences for 15 Indian prisoners to life imprisonment, bringing relief to 119 Indian nationals. This outcome reflects the Indian government’s continuous focus on the well-being of its diaspora, a priority consistently championed under its current leadership.
The period from 2014 to 2025 stands out as a landmark decade for India’s diplomatic engagement in protecting its citizens globally. The release of nearly 10,000 Indian prisoners from foreign jails, as evidenced by the data from MyGov India, underscores an unparalleled commitment to diaspora welfare.
This achievement is not merely a statistic; it reflects sustained, active, and often high-level diplomatic efforts across various nations. From the UAE’s repeated pardons of thousands of Indian prisoners to the intricate negotiations that secured the release of eight Indian Navy veterans from Qatar’s death row, these instances highlight the direct impact of robust international relations. Furthermore, the consistent freeing of Indian fishermen from Sri Lankan and Pakistani custody, and the pardons secured from Iran and Bahrain (notably during PM Modi’s visit), collectively demonstrate a multi-faceted approach.
This success narrative is a powerful testament to India’s burgeoning global influence and its unwavering dedication to its citizens, reinforcing a sense of security and belonging for Indians worldwide.
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