The United Arab Emirates has pardoned 500 Indian prisoners ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramzan (or Ramadan), reflecting the strong bilateral ties between India and the Gulf nation.
Releasing the information last evening, the website newsonair.gov.in, the official news portal of Akashvani, said: “The Narendra Modi government’s proactive and sustained diplomatic efforts have facilitated the release and pardon of thousands of Indian nationals across various countries over the past decade.”
It continued: “Since 2014, Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has prioritised the welfare of Indian citizens abroad. It has ensured the safe return of nearly 10,000 Indians imprisoned abroad through diplomatic negotiations and high-level interventions.”
Giving some figures about the number of Indians who have received a pardon in recent times, thanks to Delhi’s successful global diplomacy, the Akashvani (aka All-India Radio) news report said: “Last year, UAE pardoned 944 Indian prisoners ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr and UAE National Day [on December 2]. In 2019, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners during his visit to India. In 2023, the Indian government’s diplomatic intervention led to a commutation of the death sentences of eight Indian Navy veterans in Qatar. A total of 77 Indian nationals were released by Iran last year.”
