Shah Rukh Khan’s office addressed speculation surrounding the actor’s alleged role in the release of eight former Indian Navy personnel from Qatar, asserting that matters of diplomacy are best handled by government officials.
Qatar recently released the Indian Navy veterans, whose death sentences had been commuted to varying jail terms. Seven of the personnel have returned home. While the eighth personnel is also expected to return soon after completing the formalities.
Speculation regarding Shah Rukh Khan’s involvement in the release circulated widely, fueled by former MP Subramanian Swamy’s claim on social media platform X on Tuesday. Swamy suggested that the actor intervened in the matter, especially after Shah Rukh’s recent meeting with Qatar’s Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, during an event in Doha.
However, Shah Rukh Khan’s office swiftly dismissed these assertions in a statement, stating that any claims of the actor’s involvement are unfounded. The office emphasized that the successful resolution of such diplomatic matters rests solely with Indian government officials.
The statement, shared by Shah Rukh’s manager Pooja Dadlani on Instagram, reiterated that matters of diplomacy and statecraft are best handled by capable leaders. Shah Rukh Khan, like many other Indians, expressed happiness over the safe return of the naval officers and extended his best wishes to them.
Despite attending the Asian Football Club final in Doha as a special guest of honor, Shah Rukh Khan’s office clarified that his presence at the event was unrelated to the release of the Indian Navy personnel.
It is pertinent to note that, though not publicly declared, the eight navy personnel have been detained in Qatar on the charges of espionage. They were working for the Dahra Global company.
“We waited 18 months”
Earlier, 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 his personal intervention that led to their return 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.”
