Navy veterans freed by Qatar chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’

Having endured months of captivity in Qatar, seven out of the eight Indian navy veterans, who were initially sentenced to death on ‘espionage’ charges, expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his diplomatic efforts that led to their release.

Commending PM Modi’s interventions with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, one of the veterans emphasized, “I feel relieved and delighted to finally be back home safe and sound. I wish to thank Prime Minister Modi as this wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for his personal intervention to secure our release.”

The veterans, who chanted ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ upon arriving in Delhi, acknowledged the tireless efforts of PM Modi in securing their freedom, emphasizing that their return was a result of his untiring endeavors at the highest diplomatic levels. The release of the Navy officers, initially sentenced to death on charges of spying on a submarine program, was welcomed by the Government of India.

The Ministry of External Affairs noted, “The Government of India welcomes the release of eight Indian nationals working for the Dahra Global company who were detained in Qatar. Seven out of the eight of them have returned to India.” T

he MEA expressed appreciation for the decision of Qatar’s Amir to facilitate their release and homecoming. The veterans had been imprisoned in Qatar since October 2022, accused of espionage, and their death sentences were later commuted to extended prison terms.

The Government assured continued consular and legal assistance, and the MEA spokesperson highlighted the 60-day appeal period and mentioned PM Modi’s meeting with Qatar’s Emir, underscoring their bilateral discussions on various aspects, including the well-being of the Indian community in Qatar.