New Delhi: The Government of India is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Nimisha Priya, a 37-year-old nurse from Kerala facing execution in Yemen for the 2017 murder of Yemeni citizen Talal Abdo Mahdi.
During a July 17, 2025, media briefing, Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), outlined India’s extensive support, stating, “We have provided legal assistance, and also appointed a lawyer to assist the family. We have also arranged for regular consular visits by her family.”
The execution, originally scheduled for July 16, was postponed after India’s “concerted efforts in the recent few days to seek more time for the family of Miss Nimisha Priya to reach a mutually agreeable solution with the other party,” Jaiswal noted. The government is pursuing diyya, a Sharia law provision allowing financial compensation to the victim’s family to commute a death sentence, as outlined in the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:178-179).
Jaiswal confirmed engagement with “local authorities” in Sana’a, controlled by the Houthi militia, and consultations with “some friendly governments in this regard,” though he declined to name them, likely referring to regional powers like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He also avoided commenting on the reported role of Kerala cleric Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musaliar, stating, “I have no information to share on this account.” The case’s complexity, driven by Yemen’s ongoing civil war and India’s non-recognition of the Houthis, underscores the delicate balance of consular duties and geopolitical constraints.
The pursuit of diyya involves intricate negotiations with the victim’s family, led by Abdelfattah Mahdi, who have rejected compensation in favor of retribution under qisas, as per an MEA consular update on July 15, 2025. The Save Nimisha Priya Action Council, a Kerala-based non-governmental organization, has raised approximately $60,000 for diyya, but tribal variations in Sharia law complicate the process, requiring mediation through local Yemeni intermediaries. India’s lack of formal diplomatic relations with the Houthis necessitates reliance on informal channels, with the MEA coordinating closely with Priya’s family to facilitate dialogue and ensure her well-being in detention through consular access.
The case has ignited significant public and political attention in Kerala, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 14, 2025, to prioritize Priya’s release, as posted by @CMOKerala on X. Congress leader K C Venugopal also called for urgent action, emphasizing humanitarian grounds. The Supreme Court of India, hearing a plea on July 15, was informed by the Attorney General that “all possible avenues” are being explored, with diyya as the primary option, according to an MEA brief. India’s consultations with friendly governments aim to leverage their influence in Yemen, with Saudi Arabia’s role in the Yemeni peace process potentially facilitating negotiations, as noted in a July 2025 United Nations (UN) report on Yemen.
The involvement of Musaliar, who reportedly contacted Yemeni scholar Sheikh Habib Omar, highlights community-driven efforts to bridge cultural gaps, though the MEA’s silence suggests a preference for official channels. India’s consular capabilities, strengthened by the Consular, Passport, and Visa (CPV) Division’s 24/7 helpline and eMigrate portal, have ensured regular support for Priya’s family, including travel arrangements for consular visits. The case mirrors India’s 2018 rescue of nurses from Iraq, showcasing its commitment to protecting citizens abroad, as detailed in the MEA’s 2024 annual report.
Yemen’s civil war, with Houthi-controlled areas facing economic and humanitarian crises, adds urgency to India’s efforts. The MEA’s engagement with local authorities requires careful navigation to avoid signaling recognition of the Houthis, consistent with India’s policy of supporting the UN-recognized Yemeni government, as per a 2024 MEA statement. The public spotlight in Kerala, amplified by advocacy groups, has pressured the government to act swiftly, with Jaiswal emphasizing, “We continue to closely follow the matter, and render all possible assistance in the case.”
India’s broader consular strategy includes leveraging regional networks, with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh coordinating with Saudi authorities to explore mediation options, as per an MEA consular note on July 16, 2025. The complexity of diyya negotiations, influenced by local tribal customs, requires India to balance legal and cultural sensitivities while maintaining diplomatic neutrality. The postponement of Priya’s execution provides a critical window, but the victim’s family’s stance and Yemen’s volatile environment pose significant challenges. India’s persistent efforts reflect its determination to secure a humanitarian resolution, aligning with its global commitment to protect its diaspora.
– global bihari bureau
