New Delhi, February 25: Over 6,470 Indian nationals were lodged in different prisons of 71 countries across the world, the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.
Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor in a written reply said Indians in foreign prisons comprised of 6,313 men and 157 women.
He said 1,226 Indians were in Saudi Arabian jails whereas 1,092 of them were in jails in UAE.
Violation of entry provisions and breaching laws pertaining to security are the main charges against 842 Indians in Pakistani jails.
365 men and 12 women are in Nepalese jails for various charges ranging from murder, robbery, illegal trafficking of animals to poaching.
China has put 174 Indian nationals behind bars for crimes including credit card forgery, money laundering, rape and drug trafficking.
“Through our missions and posts, we make all possible efforts with foreign governments to provide necessary assistance to the Indians in foreign jails,” the Minister said.
He said Indian missions and posts in foreign countries are in regular touch with the families of the arrested Indians.
Replying to another query, Tharoor said six Indian fishermen have died in Pakistani jails while in custody between 2004-10.
A total of 1,909 Indian boats were released by Pakistan between 2005-10, he said.
-PTI