The ecstasy on their faces was unmissable, thanks to the media cameras present to capture the long-awaited homecoming of the seven navy veterans formerly detained by the Qatari Court. While the anticipation surrounding their release had long been questioned, given the serious nature of the charges against them, India, through its diplomatic triumph, achieved something that may have once been considered impossible.
Confidentiality Maintained
According to media reports, neither their family members nor the detained veterans were initially informed of their impending release. This secrecy could be attributed to the confidential and sensitive nature of the proceedings, compelling officials to keep the veterans’ release confidential. A source close to NDTV revealed that the developments unfolded swiftly. All eight Indian Navy veterans were instructed by their jailors the previous night to pack their belongings and await departure at approximately 9 am (local time) the next day. They were subsequently transferred to the Embassy and later escorted to the airport, where they boarded an IndiGo flight bound for Delhi.
It is pertinent to note that of the eight released, seven arrived in New Delhi around 2 am today. While, the lone veteran remaining in Qatar is still finalizing paperwork and is expected to return shortly.
MEA thanks the Amir of Qatar
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) promptly acknowledged the role of the Amir of Qatar in facilitating the return of the Indian nationals. In its statement, the MEA expressed gratitude for the Amir’s cooperation, affirming India’s appreciation for his pivotal role in ensuring the safe homecoming of these nationals.
The Ministry has consistently shared details of India’s efforts to secure the early release of the detained former navy personnel. Earlier, as the sentences of all personnel were commuted from death to life imprisonment, the MEA reiterated ongoing engagement with the families and legal representatives.
In December, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar met with the families of the eight detained personnel, emphasizing the government’s unwavering support. He stated, “Met this morning with the families of the 8 Indians detained in Qatar. Stressed that Government attaches the highest importance to the case. Fully share the concerns and pain of the families,” Jaishankar said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
About the case:
The eight nationals were ex-servicemen of the Indian Navy and had been employed by Dahra Global Technologies, a defense services provider based in Qatar.
Their conviction in Qatar was shrouded in secrecy, and it remains unclear what offense they committed or what charges they faced. In fact, the Ministry of External Affairs has not publicly disclosed the charges under which the Indian nationals were detained. However, various media reports suggest they were detained on charges of espionage at the behest of Israel. Qatar has not publicly addressed the arrest, sentencing, and subsequent release of the eight Indian citizens.
The Indian ministry has refrained from sharing details about the charges, citing “the confidential and sensitive nature of the proceedings of this case.”
“We waited 18 months”
Upon their arrival at Delhi Airport, the navy personnel expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for its adept diplomacy, acknowledging him for liberating them from the specter of the gallows.
One of the navy personnel, speaking to the media, said, “We waited almost 18 months to return to India. We are extremely grateful to the PM. It wouldn’t have been possible without his personal intervention and his rapport with Qatar. We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for every effort that has been made. This day wouldn’t have been possible without those efforts.”
Another added, “It wouldn’t have been possible for us to stand here without PM Modi’s intervention. This outcome was also a result of the continuous efforts of the Government of India.”
