The Indian government has stated that it will engage with its legal team and the family members of eight former Indian Navy personnel to discuss the next possible steps after the Court of Appeal of Qatar commuted their death sentences. The sentences of the ex-Navy personnel were reduced to jail terms.
Speaking at the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi emphasized the government’s primary concern for the interests of Indians and their families. He noted that while the sentences have been reduced, detailed information from the judgment is awaited, and the government urges against engaging in speculation.
“We will also, of course, be discussing the next possible steps with the legal team and the family members,” said Arindam Bagchi.
On Thursday, the Qatar Court of Appeal commuted the death penalties of the eight Indian ex-Navy officers who were arrested in the Dahra Global case last year. MEA released a statement on the same day, expressing that they will continue to take up the matter with Qatari authorities.
The statement read, “We have noted the verdict today of the Court of Appeal of Qatar in the Dahra Global case, in which the sentences have been reduced. The detailed judgement is awaited. We are in close touch with the legal team as well as the family members to decide on the next steps.”
The release highlighted that India’s Ambassador to Qatar and other officials were present in the Court of Appeal, along with the family members. The Indian government has been providing consular and legal assistance to the former naval personnel since the beginning of the case.
Eight Indian nationals were imprisoned in Qatar in October 2022, accused of alleged spying on a submarine program. The charges have not been officially disclosed. The retired naval personnel initially received death sentences from a Qatar court.
Responding to queries, Bagchi mentioned the existence of a treaty on the transfer of sentenced persons between India and Qatar. However, he noted that it requires ratification by both sides, and he would need to check whether Qatar has ratified the agreement.
“Yes, there is such an agreement. However, I’m not sure if it is in effect because it requires ratification by both sides, and I would have to check whether the Qatari side has ratified that agreement. I’m not yet sure on that, so I would have to check whether it is in force. This is something that we will have to find out,” Bagchi stated.