India Welcomes Release of Eight Nationals Jailed in Qatar

• 12 Feb 2024

On 12^th February, 2024, India expressed gratitude for the release of eight Indian nationals detained in Qatar since August 30, 2022, with seven of them having already returned home.

Key Points

• Release of Detained Nationals: The Indian government appreciates the decision by the Amir of Qatar to release eight Indian nationals working for the Dahra Global company, seven of whom have safely returned to India.
• Diplomatic Tensions: The arrest and subsequent sentencing of the eight Indian Navy veterans had strained India-Qatar relations, with the matter becoming a diplomatic concern and subject to negotiations between the two countries.
• Commuted Sentences: Initially facing death sentences, the lower court's decision in Doha was appealed by India, leading to the commutation of the sentences to varying periods for the eight individuals.
• Timing of Release: Speculation regarding the release had circulated earlier, with expectations that Qatar might free the detainees before Ramzan or Eid. However, the announcement coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the United Arab Emirates.