NEW DELHI, India: India’s foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, announced on Monday that the country is determined to make every effort to secure the release of eight former navy personnel who were sentenced to death by a court in Qatar.
The individuals are reported to have been convicted for alleged espionage on behalf of a foreign nation, rumored to be Israel.
The eight detainees, including former high-ranking officers and decorated captains, were apprehended in Doha in August 2022. The charges against them have not been publicly disclosed, and Qatar has yet to comment on the case.
Jaishankar emphasized the Indian government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens and assured the detainees’ families of their highest priority. In a social media post, he expressed his deep concern for the families and pledged, “The government will continue to make all efforts to secure their release.”
India’s navy chief, Admiral R. Hari Kumar, echoed the sentiment, stating that “every effort” was being made by the government to seek relief for the detained personnel.
The news of their sentences only came to light last week when India’s foreign ministry expressed its shock over the case. The eight individuals were reportedly employed by Al Dahra, a Gulf-based company specializing in support services for aerospace, security, and defense sectors.
While the specifics of the allegations remain undisclosed, some reports suggest that they were accused of spying for a “third country,” with unconfirmed claims pointing to Israel. However, Israel’s government has not officially commented on the case.
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Relatives of the detainees have strongly refuted the allegations, emphasizing their age and the unlikeliness of such espionage activities. Meetu Bhargava, the sister of one of the accused, expressed her disbelief, saying, “My brother is 63 years old… Why would he spy for Israel? Why would he do anything like this at his age?” She is now seeking the “personal intervention” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Historically, Qatar rarely carries out executions, with a death sentence often equated to a life sentence. Amnesty International reported an execution of a Nepali migrant worker in 2020, marking a resumption of capital punishment after a two-decade hiatus.
India maintains strong and friendly ties with Qatar, which is a crucial supplier of natural gas to the country. The majority of Qatar’s population consists of migrant workers, many of whom are Indian citizens.
Furthermore, Qatar has played a role in mediating efforts for a potential prisoner exchange between the Palestinian armed group, Hamas, and Israel. These developments have contributed to India’s efforts to ensure the well-being of its citizens detained in the Gulf nation.
The situation remains sensitive, and India is actively engaging with Qatari authorities to navigate a resolution and provide the detained personnel with necessary consular and legal assistance.
This scenario presents a complex diplomatic challenge for India as it strives to secure the release of its citizens while maintaining positive international relations.
