Qatar Frees 8 Ex-Navy Officers

Eight former Indian navy officers, who were sentenced to death by a Qatari court in October 2023, were subsequently released. Furthermore, seven have already returned to India, and one is expected to join them soon. The release followed a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the COP 28 summit in Dubai on December 1, 2023. As assured to PM Modi, the leaders discussed bilateral relations and regional issues, with the Emir personally intervening in the case.

The Indian government welcomed the release and expressed its appreciation for the decision of the Emir of Qatar. In a press release, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “The Government of India welcomes the release of eight Indian nationals working for the Dahra Global company detained in Qatar. Seven out of the eight of them have returned to India. We appreciate the decision by the Amir of the State of Qatar to enable the release and homecoming of these nationals.

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Indian Citizens in Qatar, Diplomatic Challenges and Intervention

Qatar arrested eight Indian citizens in September 2022 on charges of espionage and sabotage. The Dahra Global company, which offers security and maintenance services to Qatar’s Ministry of Defence, employed them. Authorities accused them of leaking sensitive information and causing damage to Qatar’s defense installations.

On October 26, 2023, a Qatari court handed them a death sentence after human rights groups and the Indian government criticized the trial for its lack of transparency and due process. The Indian government had lodged a strong protest and sought consular access to the detainees. The Indian ambassador to Qatar, Vipul, was able to meet them on December 3, 2023, after the intervention of the Emir of Qatar.

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Diplomatic Triumph

The Court of Appeal in Qatar, after carefully considering arguments from both the defense and prosecution on November 20 and 23, 2023, took a pivotal step. Consequently, on December 28, 2023, it overturned the death sentence and ordered the release of the eight Indian citizens.

This release marks a significant diplomatic achievement for India, highlighting the robust relationship between the two nations. Qatar holds strategic importance for India in the Gulf region, boasting bilateral trade surpassing $10 billion and a considerable Indian expatriate population of over 700,000. The collaboration extends to areas such as energy, security, and counter-terrorism.