Former naval officers previously sentenced to death on charges of spying for Israel
PM Personally Oversees Efforts Leading to Release of Navy Veterans from Qatar
Manoj Kumar Pathak
New Delhi : Qatar has released eight former Indian navy officers after dropping death sentences. Seven of the men have already been returned to India, but details of the case remain scant. The released eight former Indian naval officers previously sentenced to death on charges of spying for Israel. All the former Navy personnel were working for a Qatari company before they were arrested. The Ex defence persons were reportedly arrested in August 2022, due to accusations that they had passed sensitive submarine-related information to Israeli intelligence. Neither Qatar nor India officially confirmed the charges. Later a preliminary court sentenced them to death last year, prompting India to express deep shock and file an appeal.
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement on Monday confirming the release of the eight individuals. “The Government of India welcomes the release of eight Indian nationals working for Dahra Global Company detained in Qatar. Seven out of eight of them have returned to India,” the statement read.
Expressing gratitude towards Qatar’s Amir, the statement further added, “We commend the decision of the Amir of the State of Qatar to enable the release and return home of these citizens.”
Upon their return, one of the personnel, speaking to the media, expressed his happiness at being released and attributed their freedom to the personal intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He acknowledged the efforts made by the Indian government in securing their release.
However, there hasn’t been any official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the eighth Indian national who remains in Qatar.
The release of the seven individuals and the ongoing efforts to secure the release of the eighth highlight the collaborative efforts between India and Qatar in addressing the situation and ensuring the well-being of Indian nationals abroad.
The exact circumstances surrounding the detention of these individuals in Qatar remain unclear, but their safe return home brings relief to their families and loved ones. The Indian government continues to work towards the resolution of the situation and remains committed to providing assistance to its citizens wherever they may be.
After the release of the eight Navy veterans on Monday, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra highlighted the Prime Minister’s direct involvement in ensuring their safe return. “The Prime Minister has himself personally constantly supervised all the developments in this case and has never shied away from any initiatives that would ensure the return of Indian nationals back home,” said Kwatra while addressing reporters.
The veterans had been detained in Qatar for reasons that were not immediately clear, prompting concerns about their well-being and the need for diplomatic intervention to secure their release. The Indian government swiftly swung into action, with Prime Minister Modi himself taking charge of the situation to oversee every aspect of the efforts to bring them back home.
The release of the Navy veterans marks a significant victory for Indian diplomacy and showcases the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests and well-being of its citizens abroad. The government’s proactive approach and Prime Minister Modi’s personal supervision have been lauded for ensuring a swift and successful resolution to the situation.
Upon their return, the Navy veterans expressed gratitude to the Indian government for its tireless efforts in securing their release. Their safe return home stands as a testament to the strong and unwavering commitment of the Indian government to protect the rights and welfare of its citizens, both at home and abroad.
The details surrounding the detention of the Navy veterans in Qatar remain unclear, but their release brings a sense of relief and joy to their families and loved ones. The Indian government continues to work diligently to address any challenges faced by its citizens abroad, reaffirming its commitment to providing assistance and support whenever and wherever needed.
