Qatar Frees 8 Indian Navy Veterans Held on Espionage Charges, 7 Returns to India

In a significant diplomatic triumph for India, Qatar has freed eight former Indian Navy personnel who were held in the Gulf nation on suspicion of espionage.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement issued early on Monday, expressed its satisfaction with the development, revealing that seven out of the eight former Indian Navy personnel, employed by the Al Dahra Global Company, have returned home from Qatar.

“The Government of India warmly welcomes the release of the eight Indian nationals affiliated with the Dahra Global Company who were detained in Qatar. Seven of them have safely returned to India. We extend our appreciation to the Emir of the State of Qatar for facilitating the release and repatriation of these individuals,” stated the MEA spokesperson.

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Last December, a Qatari court commuted the death sentences of the eight Indian Navy veterans implicated in the Al Dahra Global case, reducing their penalties to imprisonment.

This positive turn of events followed the acceptance of an appeal by Qatar’s Court of First Instance, lodged by the Indian government against the death sentences imposed on the Navy veterans.

The eight Indian Navy officials detained in Qatar 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, the Navy veterans expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his intervention in resolving the issue.

“We owe our freedom to PM Modi’s intervention. The tireless efforts of the Government of India also played a crucial role in our return,” remarked one of the Navy veterans.

Another echoed similar sentiments, stating, “After an agonizing 18-month wait, we are back in India. We are immensely thankful to the Prime Minister; without his direct intervention and rapport with Qatar, this outcome wouldn’t have been possible.”

The veterans further expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Government of India for its relentless support throughout their ordeal.

Background of the Case

The Indian nationals, employed by Al Dahra, were apprehended in August 2022 over alleged espionage activities. Neither Qatar nor India disclosed the charges against them, given the sensitivity of the matter.

On October 26, 2023, Qatar’s Court of First Instance sentenced the Navy veterans to death, a ruling that India denounced as “deeply” distressing, pledging to explore all legal avenues.

In response to the Qatari court’s decision, the MEA reiterated India’s commitment to providing full consular and legal assistance to the detained nationals and vowed to address the verdict with Qatari authorities.

The charges against the Indian nationals were filed on March 25, 2023, and they underwent trial under Qatari law.

Foreign Minister Jaishankar’s emphasis on the case underscores India’s unwavering commitment to securing the release of its citizens and resolving the matter through diplomatic channels.

Intake Of this News:

1. Diplomatic Victory: India celebrates as Qatar releases eight former Indian Navy personnel detained on suspicion of espionage, marking a significant diplomatic success.
2. Ministry of External Affairs Statement: The MEA welcomes the release, confirming that seven out of the eight detainees have returned to India, and expresses gratitude to Qatar’s Emir for facilitating their repatriation.
3. Legal Proceedings: Last December, Qatar’s Court of First Instance commuted the death sentences of the Navy veterans to imprisonment following an appeal by the Indian government against the original verdict.
4. Detainees’ Identity: The eight Indian Navy officials detained in Qatar are identified as 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.
5. Gratitude to Prime Minister Modi: Upon their return to Delhi, the Navy veterans express heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his intervention in resolving the issue and acknowledge the efforts of the Government of India.
6. Case Background: The detainees were arrested in August 2022 over alleged espionage activities while working for the Al Dahra Global Company. Neither Qatar nor India disclosed the specific charges due to the sensitive nature of the case.
7. Legal Response: India denounced the death sentences imposed by Qatar’s Court of First Instance in October 2023 as “deeply” distressing and vowed to explore all legal options. The MEA reaffirmed India’s commitment to providing full consular and legal assistance to the detained nationals.
8. Continuous Efforts: Foreign Minister Jaishankar’s remarks underscore India’s unwavering commitment to securing the release of its citizens and resolving the matter diplomatically, emphasizing the high importance attached to the case.