UAE Pardons 500 Indian Prisoners: A Milestone In Diplomatic Efforts

In a recent diplomatic achievement, the UAE pardoned 500 Indian prisoners, taking the total number of pardoned or released Indian nationals abroad to over 10,000.

This milestone reflects the sustained and proactive efforts of the Narendra Modi-led government in securing the release of Indian citizens from prisons in various countries.

Proactive Diplomacy Under Narendra Modi’s Leadership

Sources highlight this move as an example of ‘diplomacy in action’, pointing to the Modi government’s continuous diplomatic initiatives that have facilitated the release and pardon of thousands of Indian nationals over the past decade.

The UAE’s latest pardon of 500 Indian prisoners underscores the growing bilateral ties between India and the Gulf nation.

UAE Continues To Pardon Indian Prisoners

The UAE has consistently pardoned Indian nationals over the years, with several major releases taking place during key events:

• 2025: Ahead of Ramzan, more than 500 Indian prisoners were pardoned.
• 2024: UAE authorities pardoned 944 Indian prisoners ahead of Eid Al Fitr and the UAE National Day.
• 2023: Over 700 Indian prisoners were released.
• 2022: A total of 639 Indian prisoners received pardons.

This series of releases illustrates the UAE’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its relationship with India and further reinforces the role of diplomacy in resolving such issues.

Diplomatic Efforts By Other Countries

India’s diplomatic efforts have resulted in the release of nationals from several other countries as well.

Saudi Arabia

In 2019, during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to India, the Saudi government ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners. This move marked a significant diplomatic victory for India.

Qatar

In 2023, diplomatic intervention led to the commutation of death sentences for eight Indian Navy veterans who had been sentenced to death in Qatar. Following this, most of the veterans were released.

Iran

India’s diplomacy with Iran has also led to the release of several Indian nationals over the years:

• 2024: Iran released 77 Indian nationals.
• 2023: A total of 43 Indians were freed, including 12 fishermen.

Bahrain

During Prime Minister Modi’s 2019 visit, Bahrain freed 250 Indian nationals who had been in prison. This was another successful result of the Indian government’s diplomatic efforts.

Kuwait

In 2017, Kuwait’s Emir freed 22 Indian nationals and reduced sentences for 97 others following diplomatic talks with India.

Sri Lanka

The Indian government has regularly intervened to secure the release of Indian fishermen detained by Sri Lanka. Since 2014, a total of 3,697 Indian fishermen have been freed.

Pakistan

Since 2014, continuous diplomatic efforts have ensured the release of 2,639 Indian fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners from Pakistan.

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