New Delhi: Eight Indian Navy veterans who were imprisoned in Qatar on alleged spying charges have been released, with seven of them already back in India after 18 months in jail in the Middle-Eastern country. The Foreign Ministry of India welcomed their release and expressed gratitude towards the Amir of the State of Qatar for enabling the homecoming of the nationals.
The veterans, who were employed by a private firm, Dahra Global, were in Qatar to assist with the introduction of Italian U212 stealth submarines into the Qatari Emiri Naval Force in their personal roles. However, they were arrested in August and had been in jail since then, facing severe charges.
Initially, a Qatari court had sentenced them to death on October 26, 2023. This shocking verdict deeply shocked the Indian government, leading them to explore all legal options. However, in December, the capital punishment was commuted following India’s diplomatic intervention.
Now back in India, the Navy veterans expressed their gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government for securing their release. They specifically mentioned that it was only possible because of the Prime Minister’s personal intervention and his strong diplomatic ties with Qatar.
“We waited almost for 18 months to be back in India. We are extremely grateful to the PM. It wouldn’t have been possible without his personal intervention and his equation with Qatar. We are grateful to the Government of India from the bottom of our hearts for every effort that has been made and this day won’t have been possible without those efforts,” said one of the veterans.