- Eight Indian naval officers freed
- Qatar commutes death sentences
- Diplomatic ties between India, Qatar stable
Eight former Indian naval officers, previously sentenced to death on espionage charges for Israel, have been released by Qatar.
On Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India expressed its gratitude to Doha for the decision to release the octet. Details regarding their arrest, sentencing, and transportation remain undisclosed.
The ministry stated in New Delhi, “We are grateful for the decision by the Amir [Emir] of the State of Qatar to facilitate the release and repatriation of these nationals.”
It is reported that the men were detained in August 2022 on suspicions of providing Israeli intelligence with classified information related to submarines. These allegations have not been formally confirmed by either Qatar or India.
Last year, a preliminary court sentenced them to death, a decision that led India to express profound astonishment and lodge an appeal.
In December, the MEA confirmed that it had gained consular access to the detainees. Later in the month, it emerged that their death sentences had been commuted to varying prison terms by an appellate court.
On Monday, it was reported that seven of the men had returned to India. No further details were provided about the eighth individual, his release conditions, or the current status of his case.
Loyal Allies
The arrest of the men last year received widespread coverage in Indian and Arab media.
The eight were senior staff at Dahra Global Technologies and Consulting Services. Unverified Indian reports suggest the company was advising Qatar on acquiring high-tech, radar-evading submarines manufactured in Italy. The private company has since ceased operations.
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Despite the temporary strain, the case is unlikely to significantly affect the strong relations between steadfast allies New Delhi and Doha.
Moreover, the two countries maintain significant economic ties. Qatari liquefied natural gas exports were guaranteed until 2048 by a tens-billion-dollar agreement last week.
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