7448 Indian nationals lodged in foreign jails in 81 countries

The Government has said there are over 7,000 Indian prisoners abroad. ''As per information available, 7448 Indian nationals are lodged in foreign jails in 81 countries,'' an official from Ministry of External Affairs said. Due to the strict provisions of privacy laws, the United States, Canada, Australia and many countries in Europe do not share information about Indian nationals in their prisons, the official said.

As soon as the information about detention/arrest of an Indian national is received by an Indian Mission/Post, it gets in touch with the local Foreign Office and other local authorities concerned to get consular access to the detained/arrested Indian national to confirm his Indian nationality and ensure his/her welfare. The Indian Government provides legal assistance on means tested basis to deserving Indian nationals, including prisoners.

The Government also provides help, advice and guidance ensuring fair and humane treatment in foreign jails, repatriation to India of those who are released and issues emergency certificates. ''In some countries, our Missions also request the local governments for grant of amnesty to the arrested Indians and if any mercy petition for remission of sentences is received from the family members of the Indian prisoners, the Mission concerned forwards them to the local authorities for consideration,'' the official said.