1. Qatar releases eight former Indian Navy personnel detained on espionage allegations.
2. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomes the release, with seven of the individuals returning to India.
3. The detained individuals worked for the Al Dahra Global Company, a private firm.
New Delhi, Feb 12: In a significant diplomatic triumph for India, Qatar has recently released eight former Indian Navy personnel who were detained in the Gulf country on allegations of espionage.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomed this development, stating that seven out of the eight individuals, who were working for the Al Dahra Global Company, a private firm, have returned to India from Qatar.
Last December, a Qatari court overturned the death penalty initially imposed on the eight Indian Navy veterans in the Al Dahra Global case, instead opting for jail terms. This decision followed an appeal filed by the Indian government against the death sentence.
The released Indian Navy officials include Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, and Sailor Ragesh.
Upon their return to Delhi, they expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his intervention in resolving the issue.
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The detained Indian nationals, who were employees of Al Dahra, were arrested in August 2022 on charges of espionage.
The specifics of the allegations were not disclosed by either Qatari authorities or New Delhi due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Despite being sentenced to death by Qatar’s Court of First Instance on October 26, 2023, the Indian government vehemently opposed the ruling, describing it as “deeply shocking” and promising to explore all legal avenues available.
The MEA emphasized the high importance attached to the case and its commitment to exploring every legal option.
Following the filing of charges against the Indian nationals on March 25, 2023, they underwent a trial under Qatari law.
The Indian Navy veterans expressed their gratitude to the Government of India for its relentless efforts in securing their release.
They credited Prime Minister Modi’s intervention and his rapport with Qatar for facilitating their return home after nearly 18 months of ordeal.
The release of the detained Indian nationals marks a significant diplomatic achievement for India and Qatar, underscoring the importance of bilateral relations and cooperation in addressing sensitive issues.
