Around 6,500 Indians are in jails in 68 countries: Government
421 Indians lodged in Pakistan jails and 151 prisoners were released
New Delhi: As many as 6,483 Indian nationals are in jails in 68 countries, with a maximum of 1,469 being detained in Saudi Arabia, the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.
Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj said that there were 421 Indians lodged in Pakistan jails and so far, as many as 151 prisoners were released during the year by the neighbouring country.
"As per unconfirmed records available with the High Commission of India, Islamabad, 74 missing prisoners of war (PoW) were languishing in Pakistan jails," Swaraj said in a written reply to a question.
The Minister also said there were 322 Indian prisoners who have completed their prison term but still languishing in jails abroad.
Of these 322, 276 were in Pakistan jails, 43 in Bangladesh and three in Bahrain, she said, adding that four Indian fishermen died in Pakistan jails during the year.
To another question, Swaraj said as many as 6,683 Indians have reportedly died in foreign countries during 2013, as per information received from 97 Indian missions abroad.
In another reply, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said 21,563 emigration clearances have been granted to Indian women working abroad in 2013, who go for employment in domestic or household or childcare or health care sectors.
The Minister said 28,000 emigrants including women have benefited from the scheme during the last three years and Rs 37 crore have been utilised for the purpose.