Qatar Releases Eight Ex-Navy Veterans Jailed on Espionage Charges

Eight Indian Navy veterans, initially sentenced to death in Qatar, have been released and seven have returned to India following diplomatic interventions by the Indian government. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed gratitude for the release and appreciated the decision made by the Amir of the State of Qatar. The veterans had been accused of spying on a submarine program and were initially sentenced to death, which was later commuted to jail terms. The Indian government is awaiting the detailed judgment and is providing ongoing support, including consular and legal assistance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the well-being of the Indian community in Qatar during a meeting with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani at the COP28 summit in Dubai.