In a major development providing a significant “sigh of relief” to actor Celina Jaitly and her family, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that the Indian Embassy and Consulate in the UAE are “fully seized of the matter” regarding the detention of her brother, Major (Retired) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, who has been held in the UAE since 2024.
The confirmation comes just a day after Celina Jaitly made an emotional and exclusive appeal on Republic World, highlighting her family’s struggle and detailing the timeline of events leading up to her brother’s detention. The MEA’s statement marks a crucial step toward obtaining clarity and assistance for the former Indian Army officer.
Four Times Consular Access Granted
According to sources within the MEA, concerted efforts by the Embassy consular officials have successfully yielded consular access to Major Vikrant Jaitly on four separate occasions.
The last recorded instance of consular access was reportedly in September 2025, indicating that the Indian government has been actively engaged in the matter very recently. Furthermore, the consul confirmed they remain in constant contact with Major Jaitly’s family, particularly his wife, and the embassy continues to extend all possible consular assistance.
The Background of the Detention
Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, a decorated soldier and former officer of the elite Para Special Forces, was taken into custody in the UAE in 2024 after retiring and starting a business there. The family alleges he was abducted, and they have been left without critical information regarding his status.
Celina Jaitly revealed in her public appeal that the last time she spoke to her brother was during the festival of Rakhi in 2024, which was more than 14 months prior to the news report. The family’s primary distress stems from the lack of a clear reason for his detention, with only a case number being provided. As reported by the news channel, the family members are still unsure if Major Jaitly is “hail and hearty.”
The family’s legal representation has described the UAE’s legal system as “opaque,” meaning that the lack of public details leaves the family in the dark about his exact whereabouts, the charges against him, and his condition.
Legal Battle and Hope for December Hearing
In an effort to secure his freedom and welfare, Celina Jaitly approached the Delhi High Court, seeking necessary legal and medical assistance for her brother from the Indian authorities.
This latest development from the MEA is expected to be formalized in the Delhi High Court. Sources indicate that the government will file a detailed affidavit within the next four weeks, as the matter is expected to come up for its next hearing in December.
Reporters on the broadcast emphasized that getting consular access is the most vital step a government can take in diplomatic relations for a citizen detained abroad. While the government’s confirmation is a massive relief, the focus now shifts to the December court date, where the family hopes the government will present a status report that provides long-awaited clarity on the specific charges and the path forward for Major Jaitly’s return to India. The Indian government, including the embassy under the leadership of Ambassador Dr. Deepak Mittal, continues to assure that all possible assistance will be rendered.
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