Indian Navy Veterans Laud PM Modi for Release from Qatar Captivity
After enduring months of captivity in Qatar on ‘espionage’ charges, seven of the eight Indian navy veterans, upon returning to their homeland, credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their freedom. Their initially imposed death sentences were later commuted to extended prison terms due to sustained diplomatic interventions and legal assistance from India.
Expressing relief and gratitude upon their return to India, the veterans praised PM Modi’s personal intervention in raising their case with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. They emphasized that without PM Modi’s relentless efforts at the highest diplomatic levels, their release wouldn’t have been possible.
Upon arrival at the Delhi airport, the released navy officers joyously chanted ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’, showcasing their patriotism and relief at being reunited with their loved ones. Without the intervention of PM Modi, we would not have walked free. We wouldn’t be standing before you today had it not been for his untiring efforts and interventions at the highest levels to get us freedom.”
Another freed navy veteran also came out in praise of the Centre’s intervention in securing their release, saying, “We, as well as our anxious family members back home, had been waiting for this day for a long time. It all worked out because of PM Modi and his personal intervention in the matter. He took up our case with the highest levels of the Qatari government and eventually secured our release. I don’t have enough words to express my gratitude to him and the Emir of Qatar.”
“We are very happy to be back and it wouldn’t have been possible had the honourable Prime Minister not taken personal interest in the matter”. They commended both PM Modi and the Emir of Qatar for facilitating their release and expressed their gratitude for the support received from New Delhi throughout their ordeal.
Earlier, on Monday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared about the release of eight veterans of the Indian Navy who were sentenced to death in Qatar. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomed the return of the navy veterans, affirming the government’s commitment to ensuring their safe homecoming. The MEA expressed appreciation for Qatar’s decision to enable the release of the Indian nationals and reiterated India’s continued support to them.
PM Modi’s meeting with Qatar’s Emir during the COP28 summit in Dubai also underscored bilateral cooperation and the well-being of the Indian community in Qatar. The MEA emphasized the ongoing legal proceedings and affirmed its commitment to providing consular and legal assistance to the veterans.
The eight Indian nationals were imprisoned in Qatar since October 2022 and were accused of allegedly spying on a submarine programme. The retired naval personnel were sentenced to death by a Qatar court on charges that have not yet been made public officially. In light of the commuted sentences, the MEA’s legal team awaits the detailed judgement and remains in close contact with the concerned parties. The successful resolution of this ordeal highlights the importance of diplomatic engagement and underscores the significance of international partnerships in safeguarding the interests of Indian citizens abroad.