MEA Confirms Access to Celina Jaitly’s Detained Brother in UAE
Actor Celina Jaitly has received a significant update regarding her brother, retired Indian Army Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, who has been detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for over 14 months. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that Indian consular officials have met Major Jaitly on four occasions, most recently in September 2025, signaling ongoing diplomatic efforts to ensure his safety and well-being.
Major Jaitly, a decorated para special forces officer and fourth-generation military officer, was reportedly taken into custody in 2024 on unspecified national security grounds. He remained untraceable for eight months until the family filed a grievance through the MEA’s Madad portal, which revealed his transfer to a detention facility in Abu Dhabi.
Legal proceedings in the UAE have faced challenges due to jurisdictional barriers and limited cooperation from local authorities. His detention reportedly began with an encounter outside the Mall of the Emirates, where unidentified individuals in plain clothes took him into an unmarked vehicle.
Celina Jaitly has highlighted concerns about her brother’s physical and psychological well-being, given his history of injuries from multiple military missions. The case has also attracted the attention of the Delhi High Court, which directed the Indian government to file a detailed status report within four weeks and appoint a nodal officer to monitor developments. The next hearing is scheduled for December 4, 2025.
The MEA and Indian Embassy in the UAE continue to maintain regular contact with the family, emphasizing sustained diplomatic engagement aimed at securing Major Jaitly’s repatriation.
