New Delhi: Ensuring the security and rights of the Indian diaspora has always been a priority for the Indian government. Over the past decade, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has achieved remarkable success in diplomacy. Due to the government’s continuous efforts and strong global relations, nearly 10,000 Indian citizens have been freed from imprisonment abroad.
This achievement is a testament to India’s growing global stature and strong leadership. Whether it was securing the release of wrongly arrested citizens, rescuing fishermen, or repatriating Indian prisoners from Gulf countries, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Iran, Qatar, and Bahrain, the Indian government’s diplomatic efforts have provided immense relief to thousands of families.
A significant number of Indian expatriates work in Gulf countries. Due to India’s close ties with these nations, hundreds of Indians have been granted pardons and released from prison. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has pardoned 2,783 Indian prisoners since 2022. In 2025, before Ramadan, 500 Indians were granted clemency, while in 2024, 944 Indians were released on the occasions of Eid and UAE National Day. In 2023, over 700 Indians were granted amnesty, and in 2022, 639 were pardoned. Additionally, Saudi Arabia released 850 Indian prisoners in 2019 following Prime Minister Modi’s visit.
Indian fishermen often stray into Sri Lankan and Pakistani maritime boundaries and face arrests. The government’s sustained efforts led to the release of 3,697 fishermen from Sri Lanka and 2,639 from Pakistan. Continuous diplomatic dialogue with Sri Lanka facilitated these releases, while 71 Indian citizens were also repatriated from Pakistan.
In 2023, eight Indian naval officers in Qatar were sentenced to death in a highly sensitive case. The Indian government intervened at the highest levels, leading to a reduction in their sentences and securing the release of most officers.
Similarly, Indian prisoners were repatriated from Iran, Bahrain, and Kuwait. In 2024, 77 Indians were freed from Iran, while in 2023, 43 Indians, including 12 fishermen, were released. During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Bahrain in 2019, 250 Indians received pardons. In 2017, Kuwait freed 22 Indians and commuted sentences for 97 others.
Prime Minister Modi’s personal rapport with global leaders and India’s robust foreign policy have played a crucial role in these successes. The Indian government has ensured that wherever Indian citizens are in the world, their safety and rights remain a top priority.
These diplomatic victories highlight that India is not only a growing economic and military power but also a formidable force in global diplomacy. These efforts have reinforced the trust of Indian citizens that their government will stand by them in any situation.
The policy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ is now extending beyond borders, ensuring security and respect for Indians worldwide.
