18-Month Nightmare Ends: Indian Navy Vets Return Home After Qatar Spy Allegations
New Delhi: Eight Indian Navy veterans, initially sentenced to death in Qatar on alleged spying charges, have been released and seven have returned to India after an 18-month ordeal.
The veterans, employed by Dahra Global, were assisting with the introduction of Italian U212 stealth submarines in Qatar.
Following a Qatari court’s death sentence in October 2023, India, expressing deep shock, explored legal options. However, the capital punishment was commuted in December, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Qatar’s Amir during the COP28 summit. The veterans, now back in India, expressed gratitude to PM Modi for his personal intervention, acknowledging the government’s efforts that made their return possible.
Qatar has released the eight Indian Navy veterans who were initially sentenced to death. We appreciate the decision made by Qatar authorities.
The home coming of these Indian nationals was possible only because of constant efforts by PM @narendramodi, EAM… pic.twitter.com/9PEO4fkzkQ
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) February 12, 2024
