India celebrates because eight of its people who were held in Qatar for supposed spying have been set free.
According to Indian officials, eight Indian citizens who were arrested and given death sentences in Qatar on suspicion of spying have been freed.
The Ministry of External Affairs announced on Monday that seven of the eight individuals, who were working for the Dahra Global company, have returned to India.
The ministry also expressed gratitude for the Amir of Qatar’s decision to facilitate the release and return of these citizens.
The eight individuals were former members of the Indian Navy, as stated in a letter from an Indian minister in December 2022, which was shared on X (previously known as Twitter) by another parliament member.
They were employed by Dahra Global Technologies, a defense services provider located in Qatar, according to CNN.
Their conviction in Qatar was surrounded by secrecy, and it remains unclear what exactly they were accused of or charged with. Qatar has not publicly addressed their arrest, sentencing, or subsequent release.
CNN has previously attempted to reach out to Qatari authorities for comment.
CNN affiliate CNN-News18 reported that the eight Indians were detained in August 2022 on suspicion of espionage. However, CNN cannot independently verify these charges.
The Indian ministry has also not disclosed details about the charges, citing the “confidential and sensitive” nature of the case proceedings.
Last October, the ministry announced that it had received information about a Qatar court sentencing the eight individuals to death. They stated they were in contact with the families and were addressing the matter with Qatari authorities.
In December, the ministry mentioned that the sentences had been reduced, but did not provide specifics on the new sentences.
Following their release on Monday, several of the men expressed gratitude towards the Indian government. One individual told the Indian news agency ANI on camera, “We have waited almost 18 months to return to India. We are extremely grateful to (Modi). It certainly wouldn’t have been possible without his personal intervention.”
This case has drawn significant attention in India and has been seen as a diplomatic test for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
Jairam Ramesh, a general secretary of India’s main opposition party, demanded explanations from the government regarding why the release of the men had taken so long. He also highlighted the strong trade relationship between India and Qatar, noting that a quarter of Qatar’s population consists of the Indian diaspora.
Hundreds of thousands of Indians make up a significant portion of Qatar’s foreign workforce, which comprises 95% of the labor force in the gas-rich Gulf state, according to United Nations data.
The release of the eight individuals comes just before the upcoming Indian elections, scheduled for the spring. These elections are expected to see Modi potentially securing a rare third term in power.