The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the execution of Shahzadi Khan, an Indian citizen in the UAE, who had been sentenced to death for allegedly murdering an infant.

What is Death Row Abroad?

• It refers to situations where individuals face the death penalty in foreign countries due to criminal convictions.
• Convictions Leading to Death Row: Crimes like murder, rape, treason, or drug trafficking often result in capital punishment in certain countries.
• Data of Indians on death row 2025
  • According to MEA data presented in the Rajya Sabha on March 20, 49 Indians are currently on death row in different countries.
  • The highest number of Indian nationals on death row is in the UAE (25 Indians), followed by 11 in Saudi Arabia.
• Government Assistance:
  • Indian Missions abroad provide legal aid, consular access, and help with filing appeals or mercy petitions.
  • In some cases, sentences can be commuted by paying blood money (compensation to the victim’s family), depending on the country’s laws. 
• Blood Money as an Alternative to Death Sentences
  • In many Gulf countries, death sentences can sometimes be commuted in exchange for “blood money” — Blood money refers to the compensation paid to the victim’s family as an alternative for retribution.
    • This option requires approval from both the state and the victim’s family. However, the state may refuse if the crime is particularly severe.

Challenges Faced by Indian Embassies

• Limited Role in Authoritarian Countries:
  • In countries like Saudi Arabia, where judicial processes are often non-transparent, Indian embassies may not be informed about the arrest, trial, or sentencing until after the execution.
• Confession of the Accused:
  • If the accused confesses to the crime, the embassy’s ability to intervene is further reduced.
• Legal Aid in Open Judicial Systems:
  • In countries with more transparent systems, embassies can nominate lawyers and provide legal aid through welfare funds when needed.

India’s Successful Interventions in the Past

• Qatar Case:
  • In February last year, the Indian government’s diplomatic efforts led to the release of eight Indian Navy veterans sentenced to death in Qatar.
• Indonesia Case:
  • Gurdip Singh, arrested in 2005 for drug trafficking in Indonesia, was sentenced to death. 
  • Despite his appeals being rejected by higher courts, he was eventually spared after the Indian government’s intervention.

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