Qatar releases 8 retired Indian naval officers : A Victory for Indian diplomacy

A death sentence was imposed on all, charges of an alleged espionage

New Delhi – Qatar finally released 8 retired Indian naval officers. These officials were initially sentenced to death by Qatar on espionage charges. Following intervention from India, their sentences were reduced to life imprisonment, and now they have regained their freedom. Seven of these officers have already returned to India, while the eighth individual’s return has been delayed due to pending paperwork. This outcome is widely regarded as a triumph for India’s diplomatic efforts. It is being said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself took the initiative in this regard.

Following Qatar’s sentencing of these retired naval officers, India appealed to Qatar and facilitated the completion of the necessary documents related to their case.

Upon their arrival at the Delhi airport, the retired officers chanted ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. Additionally, they expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of Qatar.

1. We welcome this decision. Seven out of eight individuals have returned to India. We are happy that these citizens have returned home – Ministry of External Affairs

2. We are very happy that we have returned safely to India. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not intervened in our case, our release would have been difficult. – Released Retired Naval Officer.

Names of Retired Naval Officers

Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Saurabh Vasistht, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, Commander Amit Nagpal and Sailor Ragesh.

Timeline of the case

These retired officers were employed at ‘Al Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services’ in Qatar, an establishment providing security services. They were all detained by the Qatar Police on 30th August 2022, on charges of alleged espionage. Following their arrest, a lower Court in Qatar sentenced them to death. The Ministry of External Affairs of India issued a statement on 26th October 2023, expressing deep concern over the verdict. India had affirmed its commitment to exhaust all available legal avenues in efforts to secure their release.

Editorial Perspective

People feel that India should make a similar effort to release retired naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, who is still in captivity in Pakistan.