New Delhi, Nov 7 (UNI) The MEA said today that it is in touch with the UAE authorities over the detention of Major (retd) Vikrant Jaitly, a veteran of the elite 3 Para (Special Forces), and brother of Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly.
He is currently in detention in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under unclear circumstances.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a briefing today:
“So on the case of Major Vikrant Jaitly, we are in touch with UAE authorities. Our embassy is seized of the matter. We have been making counsellor visits to him, and we have done so on four occasions.
“We are also in close touch with his family including his wife. As is natural, whenever there’s an Indian national who needs support, we are offering all possible assistance.
“On 3rd November, this matter came up in Hon’ble Delhi High Court and the High Court had given certain directions. Based on those directions, we are providing all possible assistance to Major Vikrant,” he added.
The case came to light after actor Celina Jaitly moved the Delhi High Court seeking diplomatic assistance for her brother, who has been in detention in the UAE for over 14 months. According to reports, after leaving the armed forces, Major Jaitly has been residing in the UAE since 2016. He was reportedly employed with the MATITI Group, engaged in trading, consultancy, and risk management services. He was detained by the authorities there in September 2024, over alleged national security concerns.
Following Celina Jaitly’s petition, the Delhi High Court directed MEA to take steps to provide effective legal representation to Major Jaitly.
The court in its order said: “The respondents shall take steps to provide effective legal representation with respect to his arrest and detention. Let an attempt be made by the respondent to facilitate contact between the petitioner and her brother. The respondents are directed to appoint a nodal officer.”
Celina Jaitly had penned an emotional note on the matter on social media on November 3. “You fought for us, bhai, now it’s time for us to stand behind you
“For one year I have searched for answers for you. Now I continue my prayers to our respected government to fight for you, to bring you back safely. My government, the only entity I trust, is the Government of India, & I know they will do everything to protect this 4th-generation soldier, son, grandson & great-grandson of war veterans, who has given his everything, his entire youth, in the service of our nation, holder of the COAS Commendation for Gallantry.
“Indian soldiers abroad continue to be targeted for reasons unknown, I pray to my government for their help & protection for our defenders.
“I continue to stand with my brother & for myself as I navigate this test that God has put our way.”
