Indian Navy Chief, Admiral R Hari Kumar, provided assurances on Monday that the Indian government is actively working to secure relief for the eight former Indian Navy personnel who have been sentenced to death in Qatar. These individuals were sentenced by a Qatari court on charges of espionage, with the court determining that they were engaged in spying activities on behalf of Israel. The families of the condemned individuals met with India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, who reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to this sensitive issue.
Speaking at an event in Goa, Kumar said, “I have not yet seen the transcript of the court hearing…it was supposed to have been transcribed and provided to us on Sunday…we will have a look at it. In fact, you have heard the MEA statement on this. Every effort is being made by the government to ensure that….through the legal recourse and find relief for our personnel,”
The eight Indian nationals have been detained in Qatar since October 2022, facing allegations of spying related to a submarine program. New Delhi had previously been granted consular access to these individuals and had been actively working to secure their release. Their first trial took place in late March.
The EAM said that the government attaches the “highest importance” to the case and will coordinate closely with the families in that regard.” Met this morning with the families of the 8 Indians detained in Qatar. Stressed that Government attaches the highest importance to the case. Fully share the concerns and pain of the families. Underlined that the Government will continue to make all efforts to secure their release. Will coordinate closely with the families in that regard,” Jaishankar posted on X
The situation remains sensitive and demanding, with the Indian government demonstrating its commitment to pursuing all available legal avenues to secure relief for the convicted former Navy personnel and to address the concerns of their families.
