In a significant development, eight Indian Navy veterans who were detained in Qatar over alleged spying charges have been released, with seven of them already back in India. The release of the seven former Indian Navy veterans after an 18-month jail period reveals the monumental efforts put in by the GOI through back channels and diplomatic routes.
Meanwhile, The government of India welcomed the release of Indian nationals detained in Qatar. Expressing appreciation for the decision made by the Amir of the State of Qatar, the foreign ministry noted that seven of the eight individuals have already returned to India. This development marks the end of an 18-month ordeal for the veterans who had been held in jail in Qatar since their arrest.
“मोदी जी नहीं होते तो हम आपके सामने खड़े नहीं होते”#Qatar pic.twitter.com/0bSZVpczMc
— Piyush Goyal (मोदी का परिवार) (@PiyushGoyal) February 12, 2024
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Details of the Veterans’ Return to India
Sources revealed that the veterans were not informed in advance about their release and were taken away by embassy officials shortly after they were freed. They boarded an IndiGo flight and returned to India in the early morning. The Navy veterans expressed relief and gratitude upon their return to their home country.
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Arrest and Legal Proceedings in Qatar
The veterans, including Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, Commander Amit Nagpal, and Sailor Ragesh, were arrested in August 2022. They were employed by a private firm, Dahra Global, and were in Qatar to assist with introducing Italian U212 stealth submarines into the Qatari Emiri Naval Force.
Gratitude Towards PM Modi and Government
Upon their return, the Navy veterans expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government for their efforts to secure their release. They credited PM Modi’s intervention and equation with Qatar for facilitating their return to India after months of uncertainty and legal proceedings in Qatar. The veterans expressed their happiness and relief at safely returning to India, acknowledging the government’s support and efforts in securing their release.
Qatar releases eight former Indian Navy personnel who were detained in the Gulf country on alleged espionage charges.
"Without PM Modi this wouldn't have happened," Captain (R) DK Sharma said.@CaptDKS #Qatar #ITVideo @PoojaShali @gauravcsawant pic.twitter.com/ca3hD2IVeC— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) February 12, 2024
In conclusion, the release of the Indian Navy veterans from Qatar marks a significant milestone, ending their prolonged ordeal. The swift action taken by the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention played a crucial role in securing their return to India.
