2024-02-12 05:12 PM IST
A major diplomatic win for India; eight of the ex-Indian Navy personnel were released from Qatar on Feb 12. Former Navy men were accused of allegedly spying on a submarine programme and were sentenced to Qatar death penalty. Following intervention by India’s MEA, the capital punishment was later commuted to an extended prison term. Seven of the total eight former Indian Navy personnel returned home from Qatar on February 12. Notably, PM Modi met with Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on the sidelines of COP 28 Summit in Dubai. COP 28 Summit was held from 30 Nov till 12 Dec 2023, after the Qatar authorities had announced their verdict in the case. The release of the Navy personnel accused of espionage marks a big diplomatic win for India. It also shows the strengthening of bilateral relations between India and Qatar.
