Qatar Frees Indian Navy Veterans: PM Modi’s Personal Intervention Secures Release
In a significant development, eight ex-Navy personnel who were on death row in Qatar have been released(Qatar Frees Indian Navy Veterans PM Modi’s Personal Intervention)
- Qatar-India diplomatic relations review
- Qatar-India diplomatic relations impact on business
- Negotiations between India and Qatar
- Qatar law and international relations
- Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani
New Delhi: In a significant development, eight ex-Navy personnel who were on death row in Qatar have been released, announced Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Monday. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal supervision of the case, stating that PM Modi left no stone unturned in ensuring the return of the Indian nationals.
“We are happy to have seven of those Indian nationals back. The eighth Indian national has also been released, and we continue to work with the Qatar government to facilitate his return to India,” Kwatra stated.
He underscored PM Modi’s direct involvement, noting, “The prime minister has personally supervised all the developments in this case and has never shied away from any initiatives to ensure the return of the Indian nationals back home.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Visit to Qatar
Following the announcement of the release of the Navy veterans, New Delhi revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit Qatar’s capital, Doha, on February 14.
“Following his visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the prime minister will travel to Doha, Qatar, on February 14 afternoon,” Kwatra announced during a media briefing.
During his visit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and other high-ranking dignitaries.
Background and Negotiations
Last year, the eight ex-Indian navy personnel, employed by a private company, were detained and subsequently handed death sentences. Although espionage charges were rumored, neither the Indian nor Qatari authorities officially confirmed the reasons for their detention.
PM Modi took personal interest in securing the release of the ex-Navy personnel. He met Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in December, discussing the welfare of the Indian community in Qatar during the COP28 Summit in Dubai.
Reports suggest that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval played a pivotal role in negotiations with Qatari officials, making several discreet visits to Doha.
The released individuals are: Captains Navtej Gill and Saurabh Vasisht, Commanders Purnendu Tiwari, Amit Nagpal, SK Gupta, BK Verma, and Sugunakar Pakala, along with sailor Ragesh. While seven have returned, Commander Tiwari’s return is pending due to incomplete paperwork.
PM Modi’s visit to Doha marks a significant step in bilateral relations and emphasizes the importance of diplomatic efforts in safeguarding Indian citizens abroad.
India has recently concluded a landmark agreement with Qatar, solidifying a deal worth USD 78 billion to extend liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports until 2048. This significant agreement ensures continued access to LNG from Qatar at rates that are below the current market prices, following extensive negotiations between India and Qatar. The imported gas will serve various vital sectors within India, including electricity generation, fertilizer production, and the production of compressed natural gas (CNG). This move is poised to have far-reaching implications for India’s energy security and economic development in the years ahead.
Qatar’s Law and Its Impact on International Relations :- Explained Qatar law and international relations
Qatar, a sovereign state in the Middle East, holds a strategic position both geopolitically and economically. The nation’s legal framework plays a crucial role in shaping its relationships with other countries on the global stage.
Qatar’s legal system is based on a combination of civil law, Islamic law (Sharia), and customary law. The country’s legal framework encompasses various aspects, including commercial law, labor law, and human rights law. Additionally, Qatar’s legal system is influenced by international treaties and agreements that the nation has ratified.
In the realm of international relations, Qatar’s laws serve as a foundation for diplomatic engagements and interactions with other nations. The country’s commitment to upholding international law and norms shapes its foreign policy initiatives and engagements with the international community.
Qatar’s legal framework also plays a crucial role in regulating its relationships with other countries, including trade agreements, investment regulations, and diplomatic protocols. The nation’s adherence to legal principles and international treaties contributes to fostering stability, cooperation, and mutual respect in its international relations.
Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani is the current ruler of the State of Qatar, assuming the throne on June 25, 2013, following the abdication of his father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Born on June 3, 1980, Sheikh Tamim is the fourth son of Sheikh Hamad and Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned.
As the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani holds significant political, diplomatic, and ceremonial responsibilities. He is the head of state and government, overseeing the administration of the country and representing Qatar on the international stage.
Under Sheikh Tamim’s leadership, Qatar has continued to play an active role in regional and global affairs, pursuing a foreign policy characterized by diplomatic engagement, mediation efforts, and investment in international partnerships. The Emir has been instrumental in shaping Qatar’s approach to various regional and international issues, including conflicts in the Middle East, energy diplomacy, and sports diplomacy through initiatives such as the FIFA World Cup 2022.
