Qatar Frees Eight Indian Nationals Detained on Espionage Charges

In a significant turn of events, Qatar has released eight former Indian Navy personnel who were detained in the Gulf country on alleged espionage charges, a development hailed by India. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement early Monday expressing gratitude for the release and confirming that seven out of the eight individuals have returned to India.

The MEA stated, “The Government of India welcomes the release of eight Indian nationals working for the Dahra Global Company who were detained in Qatar. Seven out of the eight of them have returned to India. We appreciate the decision by the Emir of the State of Qatar to enable the release and home-coming of these nationals.”

Last December, a Qatari court overturned the death penalty initially imposed on the eight Indian Navy veterans, reducing it to jail terms. This significant development followed an appeal filed by the Indian government against the death sentences, which was accepted by Qatar’s Court of First Instance.

The released individuals, who were working for the Al Dahra Global Company, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his intervention in resolving the issue. The eight Indian Navy officials who were detained 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.

The return of these individuals marks a significant diplomatic achievement for India and Qatar’s commitment to resolving the issue amicably.