Former Indian Army officer Major Vikrant Jaitley remains detained in the UAE. Sister Celina Jaitley seeks justice and government intervention.
TheInterviewTimes.com | New Delhi | November5, 2025 — The detention of Major Vikrant Jaitley, a retired Indian Army officer, in the United Arab Emirates has sparked nationwide concern. His sister, Bollywood actress Celina Jaitley, has been appealing to the Indian government for months, seeking justice and diplomatic intervention. The case has now reached the Delhi High Court, which has directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to provide updates and legal assistance to the family.
#soldierstory Standing for a Soldier:A Ray of Hope from the Delhi High Court in the Case of Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly
— Celina Jaitly (@CelinaJaitly) November 3, 2025
I write this from the gates of the esteemed Delhi High Court with immense gratitude, as after an arduous 14 months I have finally reached the light at… pic.twitter.com/8AUlC4Bud7
Who Is Major Vikrant Jaitley?
Major Vikrant Jaitley served in the Indian Army before moving to the UAE, where he worked in the private sector for several years. Described by his family as a patriotic and disciplined officer, Jaitley had been residing in Abu Dhabi since 2016. Reports suggest that he was working with a trading and risk management firm before his unexpected detention in September 2024.
According to Celina Jaitley, her brother has been a victim of an “enforced disappearance followed by illegal detention.” She revealed that the family had no communication with him for weeks and received little information about his condition or the charges against him.
Why Was Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained?
The exact reason behind Major Vikrant Jaitley’s detention remains unclear. Local reports from the UAE indicate that he was taken into custody in Abu Dhabi under unspecified allegations. Neither the UAE authorities nor the Indian Embassy has publicly disclosed details of the charges.
The Indian government confirmed that Major Jaitley was detained in a legal case but did not elaborate further due to “sensitive diplomatic considerations.” This lack of transparency has left his family and supporters frustrated and fearful for his wellbeing.
Celina Jaitley’s Legal and Emotional Battle
Actress Celina Jaitley has been leading a persistent campaign for her brother’s release. She filed a petition in the Delhi High Court, stating that Major Vikrant Jaitley has been denied proper legal representation and medical attention.
The court has responded by directing the MEA to appoint a nodal officer to maintain communication with the family and ensure that consular access is granted. The Delhi High Court has also asked the ministry to submit a detailed status report by December 2025, marking an important step toward transparency.
Celina expressed her relief on social media, calling the court’s order a “ray of hope after months of darkness.” She added that her family continues to pray for Major Vikrant Jaitley’s safety and justice under international law.
Diplomatic and Legal Implications
The case of Major Vikrant Jaitley has broader diplomatic implications. It underscores the urgent need for stronger consular protection for Indians living or working abroad, especially for veterans who have served the country.
India and the UAE share strong bilateral ties, but this incident has raised questions about the legal rights of foreign detainees and the role of Indian missions in protecting citizens overseas. Experts argue that India must ensure that its nationals detained abroad receive timely legal assistance and transparent trials.
The case also touches on international human rights conventions, including the right to legal counsel, humane treatment, and due process — all of which may be at stake in Jaitley’s situation.
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#WATCH | Delhi | On a petition filed by Actor Celina Jetly in Delhi High Court, Advocate Raghav Kacker says, "Thanks to the cooperation from the government side that we have been able to secure a very good order. A nodal officer has been appointed to help the petitioner and her… pic.twitter.com/1KaS0Db2dI
— ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2025
Current Status and the Road Ahead
As of November 2025, Major Vikrant Jaitley remains in custody in the UAE. His sister continues to campaign for his release, urging both the Indian government and international human rights bodies to intervene.
The MEA’s report, expected in December, could reveal crucial details about his detention and the diplomatic steps taken so far. Meanwhile, Celina Jaitley’s social media posts have brought the issue to public attention, mobilizing support across India and among the Indian diaspora in the Gulf.
Conclusion
The story of Major Vikrant Jaitley is not merely a family’s ordeal — it highlights the challenges faced by Indian citizens detained abroad and the responsibilities of diplomatic missions to ensure justice. As the legal proceedings continue, the case has become a test of India’s commitment to protecting its nationals and upholding human rights in international jurisdictions.