As soon as the information about detention/arrest of an Indian national is received by the Indian Embassy/Consulate, they get in touch with the local Foreign Office and other concerned local authorities to get consular access to the detained/arrested Indian
national and ensure his/her welfare. In some countries where pro bono lawyers are available, the Embassy arranges such legal assistance for Indian prisoners. The Embassy also supports initial legal assistance to distressed Indian nationals in deserving cases.
Other assistance provided by us includes requesting local authorities for speedy trials, seeking remission of sentence, providing advice and guidance in legal and other matters, ensuring fair and humane treatment in foreign jails, issue of emergency certificates
and repatriation to India of those who are released. In some countries, our Mission also requests the local government for grant of amnesty to the arrested Indians and if any mercy petition for remission of sentences is received from the family members of
the Indian prisoners, the Mission forwards them to the local authorities for consideration.
India has signed Treaties for Transfer of Sentenced Persons with 35 countries, under which Indian prisoners can be brought back to India from some of these countries (subject to the concurrence of both countries and also the prisoner), to serve the remainder
of their sentences. This benefit is, however, not available to prisoners awarded a death sentence.