India Diplomatic Victory 8 Indian Ex-Navy Veterans Released by Qatar

Defense Nerws ,India and Qatar :- In a significant diplomatic achievement for New Delhi, eight Indian Navy veterans, previously imprisoned in Qatar, have been released and returned to India. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the successful repatriation of seven out of the eight veterans who faced challenging legal circumstances in Qatar.

Who are the eight ex-Navy veterans?

The roster of detained veterans includes distinguished naval officers and a sailor, each with a unique professional journey. Notable among them are Captains Navtej Gill and Saurabh Vasisht, Commanders Purnendu Tiwari, Amit Nagpal, SK Gupta, BK Verma, Sugunakar Pakala, and sailor Ragesh. Captain Navtej Gill, recipient of the President's Gold Medal for excellence, served as an instructor at the Defence Services Staff College in Tamil Nadu. Commander Tiwari, honored with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman in 2019, played a crucial role in training the Qatari Navy through his association with Dahra Global Technologies.

Chronology of events:

• Eight veterans, including Captains Navtej Gill and Saurabh Vasisht, were detained in August 2022 on undisclosed charges.
• Affiliation with Doha-based Al Dahra Global Technologies, engaged in providing training to Qatar's armed forces, triggered legal proceedings.
• Their mission in Qatar aimed to contribute to the introduction of Italian U212 stealth submarines into the Qatari Emiri Naval Force.
• Purnendu Tiwari reportedly received a 25-year prison term, while Ragesh was sentenced to three years, revealing variations in the imposed sentences.

Diplomatic Triumph:

The recent turn of events, where the veterans' sentences were commuted and their release facilitated, signifies a significant diplomatic victory for India. Through persistent diplomatic engagement, New Delhi successfully advocated for the rights and repatriation of its citizens, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in resolving legal entanglements.

Government's Appreciation:

The Indian government expressed gratitude for the release of the eight nationals working for Dahra Global in Qatar, with seven of them having already returned to India. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) acknowledged and appreciated the decision made by the Amir of the State of Qatar, facilitating the release and return of these individuals.

Ongoing Efforts:

Amidst appeals from the families of the Navy veterans for their safe return to India, the MEA assured to utilize all diplomatic channels and provide legal assistance. As of Monday, seven out of the eight ex-Navy officers have already returned to India, according to an official statement from the MEA.

Positive Developments:

The newly appointed spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Emir of Qatar, emphasizing positive discussions on overall bilateral relations. The MEA remains vigilant, noting a 60-day appeal window in the Court of Cassation, Qatar's highest court, and possesses confidential court orders detailing the commutation of sentences.