Omkar Dattatray
It is the effect of sound foreign policy and sustained diplomatic efforts that Qatar has freed eight ex army personnel of India who were facing death sentence in that country for alleged espionage .They were in jail from the last eighteen months and were sentenced to death on 26th September 2023 but now stand released .It is the big diplomatic victory for India and Modi government that the Qatar government has ordered release of all the eight former army personnel and seven of them have since returned India and they have said that it is because of Modi that we have been saved and are here at home .Qatar frees eight ex-Navy veterans jailed on espionage charges .The decision to release the senior officers was welcomed by the union government which issued an official statement stating ,”The government of India welcomes the release of eight Indian citizens who were held in Qatar while working for the Dahra Global Corporation .Of the eight ,seven have gone back to India .We are grateful that Amir of the state of Qatar made the decision to allow these citizens release and return home .”In a significant diplomatic breakthrough for India ,eight former Indian Navy Personnel ,who were initially sentenced to death in Qatar ,have been released marking a crucial turn in a case that garnered international attention. .The Indian governments diplomatic efforts led to the commutation of the capital punishment to extended prison terms for the eight veterans ,who had been facing severe charges in Qatar .This decision came after sustained diplomatic intervention by New Delhi ,showcasing the effectiveness of bilateral engagements in resolving complex legal matters .Amidst heartfelt appeals from the families of the Navy veterans for their safe return ,the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reassured its commitment to utilize all diplomatic channels and provide necessary legal assistance. The MEA’s proactive approach ensured that seven of the eight ex-Navy officers have already returned to India .The union government released an official statement welcoming the decision to set the veteran officers free saying ,”The government of India welcomes the release of eight Indian nationals working for Dahra Gloal Corporation who were detained in Qatar .Seven out of eight of them have returned to India .We appreciate the decision by Amir of the state of Qatar to enable the release and home coming of these nationals. ”Expressing gratitude for the release of the Indian nationals ,the Indian government welcomed the decision made by the Amir of the state of Qatar to facilitate their return .The swift resolution of this sensitive issue underscores the significance of diplomatic dialogue and cooperation between nations in addressing challenges faced by their citizens abroad .The eight Indian nationals were detained in Qatar since October 2022 on allegations of espionage related to a submarine program .Despite the severity of the charges ,the precise details were not disclosed publically .Initially sentenced to death by a Qatar court ,the veterans fate took a positive turn with the commutation of their sentence to imprisonment ,offering hopes for their eventual return to India .The MEA reiterated its commitment to provide continued support to the affected individuals ,emphasizing its coordination with the legal team in Qatar. .As the detailed judgment in the case is awaited ,the ministry remains steadfast in extending consular and legal assistance ,promising to pursue the matter with Qatar authorities to ensure a just resolution. .Describing the judgment ,the MEA has said,’ ‘We have noted the verdict today of the court of Appeal of Qatar in the Dahra Global case ,in which sentences have been reduced ”The MEA also said that detailed judgment in the case is awaited and are in close touch with the legal team in Qatar .MEA added ,”The detailed judgment is awaited .We are in close touch with the legal team as well as the family members to decide on the next steps .Our Ambassador to Qatar and other officials were present in the court of Appeal today ,along with the family members .We have stood by them since the beginning of the matter and we will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance .We will also continue to take up the matter with the Qatari authorities.’ ‘Prime minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Qatar’s Emir Shiekh Tamim bin Hamad Al -Thani during the COP 28 summit in Dubai further underscored the importance of bilateral relations and the welfare of Indian community in Qatar .The positive discussions held during the meeting reflect the shared commitment of both nations to strengthen ties and address mutual concerns .With the legal proceedings ongoing and diplomatic engagements persisting ,the release of eight Navy veterans marks a significant milestone in India -Qatar relations and it will further give boost to the bilateral relations .Prime minister of India Narendra Modi will now also pay a visit to Qatar from his tour of UAE and it will cement the diplomatic and bilateral ties between India and Qatar .In fact the release of eight Navy officers who faced death sentence is really a big diplomatic success for India.
(The author is a columnist,
social and KP activist).
