Fri Mar 28 18:25:41 UTC 2025: ## Over 10,000 Indians Freed From Foreign Jails Since 2014: MEA
**New Delhi, [Date]** – The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced today that nearly 10,000 Indian nationals have been released from prisons abroad since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014. This significant achievement is attributed to intensified diplomatic efforts and high-level interventions, leveraging the Prime Minister’s strong relationships with global leaders.
The MEA highlighted a series of successful negotiations resulting in the release or pardon of numerous Indian prisoners, including:
* **United Arab Emirates (UAE):** Over 2,700 Indian prisoners have been pardoned since 2022, with hundreds released annually, often during religious holidays.
* **Saudi Arabia:** 850 Indian prisoners were released following a 2019 visit by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
* **Qatar:** Eight Indian Navy veterans facing the death penalty were freed after extensive high-level negotiations.
* **Iran:** 120 Indian nationals, including fishermen, were released in 2023 and 2024.
* **Bahrain:** 250 Indian prisoners were released in 2019 as a gesture of goodwill.
* **Kuwait:** In 2017, 22 Indian nationals were released, and sentences reduced for 97 others.
* **Sri Lanka:** 3,697 Indian fishermen, who often inadvertently cross maritime borders, have been released since 2014.
* **Pakistan:** 2,639 fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners have been released following persistent diplomatic efforts.
Many of these prisoners were incarcerated for minor offenses such as unintentional border crossings or visa overstays. The MEA emphasized that the Prime Minister’s personal relationships with world leaders have been instrumental in securing these releases. The statement further highlighted India’s strengthened global diplomatic and economic standing as a contributing factor to these successes. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Indian citizens abroad.
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