From fishermen to overstaying tourists, India’s diplomatic efforts since 2014 have helped secure the release of thousands jailed abroad — including high-profile interventions by PM Modi.
March 29, 2025: Key Highlights:
- Over 10,000 Indian nationals freed from prisons overseas since 2014
- PM Modi directed the Ministry of External Affairs to prioritize the issue
- Major breakthroughs in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan
- Many jailed for petty offences, including accidental border crossings, visa overstays, and territorial violations by fishermen
- Latest: 500 Indians pardoned in UAE in 2025
🌍 A Decade of Diplomatic Wins for Indians Abroad
Being jailed in a foreign land is among the worst fears for any citizen. From innocent fishermen straying into unmarked waters to tourists accidentally overstaying their visas, thousands of Indians have faced this nightmare across the globe.
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Back in 2014, over 10,000 Indian nationals were reported to be imprisoned overseas. Since then, India’s diplomatic machinery — steered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive — has worked round-the-clock to bring them home.
A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirms that nearly 10,000 Indians have been freed in the past 10 years, reflecting the power of proactive diplomacy.
🤝 Country-Wise Diplomatic Interventions & Releases
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
- UAE has routinely pardoned Indian prisoners as goodwill, especially during Ramzan and Eid.
- 2022: 639 released | 2023: 700+ | 2024: 944 | 2025 (so far): 500
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
- 2019: During his India visit, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners.
🇶🇦 Qatar
- 2023-24: In a major diplomatic success, India secured the release of 8 Indian Navy veterans who were facing a death sentence.
🇮🇷 Iran
- 2023: 43 released (including 12 fishermen)
- 2024: 77 Indians freed
🇧🇭 Bahrain
- 2019: 250 Indian prisoners released during PM Modi’s visit as a gesture of friendship.
🇰🇼 Kuwait
- 2017: 22 Indians released and sentences reduced for 97 others after diplomatic negotiations.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
- 3,697 Indian fishermen freed since 2014 after accidental border crossings — through consistent MEA interventions.
🇵🇰 Pakistan
- Since 2014:
- 2,639 Indian fishermen released
- 71 civilian prisoners freed after regular diplomatic outreach
🗨️ MEA Statement on Humanitarian Diplomacy
“Since 2014, the Prime Minister has prioritised the welfare of Indian citizens abroad, ensuring their return through diplomatic negotiations and high-level interventions.”
“The scale of releases, especially in Gulf nations, reflects the strength of India’s bilateral relations and the growing trust in our leadership,” the Ministry said.
The MEA emphasized that many breakthroughs were enabled by PM Modi’s personal rapport with world leaders, built over multiple visits and consistent high-level diplomacy.
📈 India’s Rising Global Influence
India’s growing stature on the global stage — both economically and diplomatically — has helped create leverage in bilateral negotiations. Whether dealing with Gulf monarchies or South Asian neighbors, India’s consistent focus on citizen welfare abroad has become a hallmark of its foreign policy over the past decade.
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